Mark Saunders says he'd spend more on the TTC if elected mayor, but doesn't release price tag

Toronto mayoral candidate Mark Saunders said the city needs to spend more money on the TTC, but wouldn't commit to saying how much he'd spend.

The former police chief said he wants to be elected so he can "look through those books" before saying how much he'll spend, he said on CBC Radio'sMetro Morning Monday.

Saunders, who has vowed to keep property taxes at or below the rate of inflation, said the city needs to reprioritize its spending. His spending plan, which has not been costed, would include:

• Increasing the police budget and providing "wrap around" resources for people in mental health crises around the clock.
• Hiring more special constables for the TTC who would specialize in dealing with people in mental health crises.

LISTEN | Saunders makes his pitch to Toronto voters:

You can compare how Saunders' platform compares with those of five other leading candidates via the link below:

• Looking for more Toronto mayoral election coverage? CBC Toronto is set to host a debate with six of the top candidates on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Who is Saunders?

After stepping down as Toronto's police chief in June of 2020, Saunders has moved into the political arena.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford appointed him to a six-figure job as a special advisor working on the plan to turn Ontario Place, in part, into a mega-spa.

Saunders also ran for the PCs in the last provincial election in the Don Valley West riding, but was defeated by Liberal Stephanie Bowman.

Saunders'campaign has been focused on public safety, although a number of his policies reviewing bike lanes, urging the city to drop its drug decriminalization efforts run counter to the direction city hall has been moving in.

There are 102 people running to replace John Tory as mayor of Toronto. You can find the full list on the City of Toronto's website here.

Metro Morning has already spoken with two candidates so far. You can find those interviews in the links below: