Reading between the lines of Premier Ford’s congratulatory message to Toronto’s new mayor, Olivia Chow, it’s easy to see he thinks Toronto is in trouble.

The NDP-branded Chow was expected to win the election rather easily, and she won 37% of the vote, compared to runner-up to Ana Bailao’s 32%. 

Just last week, Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Party leader said that Chow winning the election would be an “unmitigated disaster.” He toned it down in Monday’s message to the new mayor, but it’s evident Ford is preparing for battle. 

“Our government is working hard to make sure Ontario, including its most populated city, has a strong economy by creating the environment for businesses to invest and create good-paying jobs while keeping costs down for hardworking families,” Ford said in his public message to Chow.

“I hope that we continue to have a willing partner in the city of Toronto as we deliver on our plan to build Ontario.”

It’s Ford’s wildly toned down way of saying “uh oh,” as just last week he said Chow would run businesses and Torontonians out of town.

“You want my opinion? If Olivia Chow gets in, it will be an unmitigated disaster,” he said.

“Taxes are going to go up 25 to 30 per cent, when people can’t afford the rent, can’t afford mortgages now. Business are going to be fleeing Toronto, as far as I’m concerned.”

Olivia Chow responded to Ford by saying he doesn’t get to decide the mayor.

Chow’s union-happy plan to keep closed tendering for municipal contracts has been criticized by not just Ford but also the Financial Post’s Matthew Lau. Also warning Toronto against voting in Chow was the Conservative Party leader of Canada, Pierre Poilievre.

On a rainy Monday, Chow won the election with less than 15% of votes from eligible voters.