When Mark Sutcliffe entered the political arena four years ago, he made an array of commitments to the public. His 2022 election platform featured over 170 promises, including pledges to maintain low taxes, increase paramedic presence, initiate a massive tree-planting initiative, address LRT issues, and more.
As Sutcliffe seeks reelection this October, the CBC has conducted an assessment to determine the extent to which he fulfilled his promises during his first term in office. According to his communications director, Tahera Mufti, Sutcliffe’s team asserts that he has delivered on over 90% of his commitments, a track record they are proud of.
While the mayor’s office maintains that 86 promises have been fully completed and 75 are in progress, there are still 11 commitments that have not been entirely fulfilled, with some lacking any action. Additionally, the policy tracker indicates that Sutcliffe has “pivoted” on 27 promises, even those considered delivered.
To provide a comprehensive review and validate their claims, CBC independently evaluated key promises made by Sutcliffe in six crucial areas.
**Taxes and Spending:**
Sutcliffe vowed to limit tax hikes to a maximum of 2.5% for the first two years of his term, a promise he fulfilled. However, subsequent years saw tax increases surpassing this threshold, albeit amid high inflation rates. While the mayor initiated a spending review resulting in substantial efficiencies, he fell short on a pledge to reduce recreation fees.
**Public Safety:**
Sutcliffe successfully hired 42 new paramedics and added 100 police positions, surpassing the set targets. Initiatives to reduce “level zero” incidents and implement crime-fighting measures were effective, although crime rates in certain areas remain a concern.
**Transit:**
Despite efforts to address issues stemming from the LRT system and expand transit services, challenges persist with ongoing bearing problems and delays in project extensions. Sutcliffe’s commitment to secure funding for Phase 3 remains unfulfilled.
**Roads and Transportation:**
Sutcliffe allocated funds for road repairs, enhanced traffic calming measures, and expedited infrastructure projects. Progress was made on improving road safety and cycling infrastructure, but some objectives, like addressing noisy truck traffic, were only partially achieved.
**Housing:**
While aiming to boost housing affordability by constructing 100,000 new homes, progress has been slower than anticipated. Efforts to streamline development processes and build transitional housing facilities have seen mixed success.
**Environment and Climate Change:**
Sutcliffe’s initiatives to promote environmental sustainability, such as reducing single-use plastics and increasing green energy usage, have yielded mixed results. While progress has been made in certain areas, challenges remain in fulfilling commitments related to tree planting, building retrofits, and waste management.
In conclusion, Sutcliffe’s performance in fulfilling his campaign promises showcases a mix of accomplishments and ongoing challenges across various sectors, indicating a complex landscape of achievements and areas for improvement.