A recent poll indicates a tight mayoral contest in Mississauga, with three candidates, including the current and former mayors, closely competing for support among decided and leaning voters. According to Liaison Strategies, former mayor Bonnie Crombie leads with 30% support, followed closely by current mayor Carolyn Parrish at 29%, and city Coun. Alvin Tedjo at 26%.
The poll results suggest a competitive race ahead for Mississauga, with Tedjo experiencing a significant increase in support since August. Initially at 12%, Tedjo has risen to 26%, trailing Crombie by four points and Parrish by three, as highlighted by David Valentin from Liaison Strategies.
Coun. Dipika Damerla holds 11% of the support, while 4% of respondents indicated a preference for a different candidate. The poll, conducted by reaching a random sample of 1,000 Mississauga residents from October 2 to 4 via interactive voice recording on both landlines and cellphones, was weighted to align with 2021 census targets and has a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points.
Bonnie Crombie emphasized her focus on practical and responsible solutions to address affordability concerns, stating, “Residents are worried about what things cost.” In contrast, Alvin Tedjo’s campaign aims to offer fresh ideas and a new direction for the city, resonating with residents seeking change.
Despite the shifting voter support, the percentage of undecided voters remains constant at 26%. Carolyn Parrish’s approval ratings have not changed, with 38% supporting her performance and 42% against. However, Valentin noted that supporting Parrish does not necessarily indicate confidence in the city’s current direction, as only 28% believe Mississauga is heading in the right direction, while 48% disagree.
Affordability has emerged as a significant concern leading up to the election on October 26, with 25% of respondents highlighting it as a major issue, compared to 19% in August. Furthermore, 15% of respondents identified housing and taxes as crucial issues in Mississauga.
