Torontonians are heading into election season with a brighter outlook on city life, according to new polling that shows residents feel safer, happier, and more satisfied with public services than they did a year ago.
The Listening to Toronto survey, conducted last month by Ipsos, found overall quality of life ratings climbing, with 69 per cent of respondents describing life in Toronto as good or very good—up from 64 per cent last year. Public satisfaction improved across multiple areas, including libraries, recreation programs, parks, and social services.
Concerns about safety also appear to be easing. Sixty-five per cent of respondents said they feel safe in the city, compared to 59 per cent in 2023. More residents said they feel secure on transit, in their neighbourhoods at night, and while cycling—suggesting perceptions of public safety are rebounding after several difficult years.
Interactions with city hall also earned higher marks, with residents reporting better experiences with municipal services and improved communication from city agencies.
The poll, which surveyed 1,138 Toronto residents between August 1 and August 18, suggests that a happier, more optimistic public mood could benefit Mayor Olivia Chow as she prepares for reelection in October 2026.
Quality of life ratings varied across demographics. Men were more likely than women to say they enjoy a good quality of life (73 per cent versus 66 per cent), while both younger and older residents were more positive than those in the 35–54 age bracket. Disabled Torontonians, however, were significantly more likely to report poor or very poor quality of life.
Transit satisfaction proved a key factor in overall happiness: 81 per cent of those satisfied with the TTC also rated their quality of life positively, compared to just 50 per cent among those unhappy with the system.
For a city often defined by its challenges—congestion, affordability, and safety concerns—the survey points to cautious optimism among its residents. With municipal elections just over a year away, that shift in mood could play a decisive role at the ballot box.