George SmithermanPeter Power/The Globe and Mail
Mayoral candidate George Smitherman is vowing not to sell Toronto Hydro.
The former deputy premier had already hinted he wasn't keen on unloading the public utility, but he made his position explicit in an announcement at the Green Living show Friday.
"The privatization of Toronto Hydro would be as short-sighted as it is wrong," he said, noting the utility makes money for the city.
Mr. Smitherman said he wouldn't rule out selling other city assets, including buildings and a minority stake in Enwave, the deep-lake water cooling system.
Mayoral candidate Rocco Rossi announced his intention to sell hydro back in January. Mr. Smitherman criticized the idea at a debate in Scarborough last month. Taking a firm stance on keeping Toronto Hydro in public hands doesn't mean he's tacking left in response to right-wing Councillor Rob Ford, Mr. Smitherman said. He called himself a "progressive" and a candidate of the "broad centre."
A recent poll showed Mr. Ford is in second place behind Mr. Smitherman. The pair will take part in a debate on green issues with other candidates at the Green Living show Saturday.
More to come