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- calendar_today October 14, 2026
Ford Government Begins Removing Bloor Bike Lanes in Etobicoke
The Ford government initiated the removal of bike lanes along Bloor Street West in Etobicoke on Tuesday, restoring traffic lanes for vehicles. The move sparked immediate reaction from local cyclists and advocates, who organized protests that resulted in construction being halted later that night.
Olivia Chow Condemns Provincial Interference
Mayoral candidate Olivia Chow quickly spoke out against Premier Doug Ford’s decision. Chow accused the province of undue interference in Toronto’s municipal affairs, taking aim at the removal of bike lanes as well as previous provincial actions such as the removal of speed cameras and pushing for the expansion of Billy Bishop Airport. She argued that these actions undermine local decision-making and put residents at risk.
"His decision to pit road users against each other for political gain puts lives at risk," Chow said during a news conference on Wednesday. She emphasized the importance of local democracy and called for Ford to "stay in his own lane." Chow asserted, "The people of Toronto must have a say over their city. Local democracy matters."
Chow Criticizes Brad Bradford’s Bike Lane Proposals
Chow also directed criticism at her mayoral opponent, Brad Bradford, contending that his own proposal to remove bike lanes on Bloor Street contributed to the province’s decision. Bradford has advocated for removing existing bike lanes in favor of creating new lanes on parallel roads and side streets. Chow claimed that Bradford’s position weakened city council’s authority and "invited Doug Ford to rip up the bike lanes," thereby opening the door to provincial interference.
She accused Bradford of aligning with Ford on issues including jets at the Island Airport, speed cameras, and bike lanes. Chow further criticized Bradford’s plan to cut household water bills and restructure Toronto Water, warning that it could hand control of city drinking water to the province.
Bradford Responds to Chow’s Criticisms
Brad Bradford’s campaign responded to Chow’s remarks by criticizing her record both at city hall and in dealing with the provincial government. In a statement provided to Now Toronto, Bradford’s campaign accused Chow of failing to stand up for the city on matters such as the Ontario Science Centre, bike lanes, the Island Airport, and council restoration.
"On the Science Centre, the Island Airport, the bike lanes and the council she never fought to restore, NDP Mayor Chow didn’t stand up for the city. And she herself has used strong mayor powers 80 times, despite refusing to admit she’s in favour of them," the campaign stated. "She folded, signed the deal and called it a partnership. A mayor who gave away the store doesn’t get to run as the person guarding it."
Bradford Defends Toronto Water Plan
Addressing concerns about Toronto Water, Bradford’s campaign maintained that the utility would remain publicly owned and estimated that his plan would reduce the average household water bill by about $300 annually. "The only thing Brad is handing over is a smaller bill," the campaign said. "Brad doesn’t want a fight with the province. He wants a city that can hold its own in the room."
Protests Continue as Election Nears
The removal of the Bloor bike lanes and the debate over city control have energized cycling advocates, who continue to protest against bike lane removal and what they describe as provincial overreach. The clash between Chow and Bradford over key issues such as bike lanes, provincial interference, and Toronto Water comes as the municipal election approaches, with voters set to choose Toronto's next mayor on October 26.
Source: nowtoronto.com.
