TRIUMPHS AND TRIALS

HIGHS Nov. 27, 2014: The mayor-elect delivers a “state of the city” speech outlining his priorities on the challenges ahead. They include restoring service on 41 bus routes. He immediately presses the province for transit funding. Toronto is also in the “midst of a housing crisis,” and the federal and provincial governments “need to come to the table to address this critical issue.” He also vows “focused leadership” on a poverty reduction strategy.

Dec. 11, 2014: Two weeks after he’s sworn in, Tory can claim his first transit victory, after council votes 42-1 for an accelerated work plan for SmartTrack, his proposed 22-stop, above-ground rail line that would primarily run on existing GO tracks.

June 28, 2015: Tory marches in the 2015 Pride Parade, resuming a mayoral tradition disregarded by his predecessor, Rob Ford. June 25, 2015: Tory scolds Torontonians for their Pan Am Games pessimism amid angst over traffic tie-ups and empty seats. “I don’t know why we focus on the glass being half empty as opposed to half full,” Tory said before the start. He was right; they were a success.

LOWS Nov. 28, 2014: After joining the Toronto Police Services Board so he can place a high priority on “continuous reform and updating of police practices,” Tory and the board reverse course on the controversial practice of carding and sign off on a generous four-year contract.

Dec. 2, 2014: John Tory’s picks for his 13-member executive earn the scorn of council’s progressives shut out in favour of right-wing councillors. Council’s political left question whether the new mayor has forgotten his promise to end division at city hall.

Jan. 20, 2015: Tory’s first budget promises to increase services while keeping property taxes in line with the rate of inflation. Tory assumes $86 million will flow from the province. Instead, Queen’s Park offers the city a $200-million line of credit, repayable at commercial rates. Tory says “no thanks” and goes to the bank for a loan to fill the hole. Betsy Powell