Police Chief Bill Blair remains popular among Torontonians despite a decision by the Toronto Police Services board not to renew his contract, according to a new poll.

The Forum Research telephone poll of 843 randomly selected residents found that 61 per cent of respondents view Blair as “one of the best” police chiefs to occupy the post while 38 per cent see him as a “good police chief,” 14 per think he was “not very good” and just three per cent believe he was “not at all good” in the role.

Overall approval of Blair was highest among those living in Scarborough (66 per cent) and Toronto East York (61 per cent) and those making between $80,000 and $100,000 a year. Blair, meanwhile, was viewed less favourably by those living in Etobicoke and North York (58 per cent approval rating) and those who voted for Doug Ford in the municipal election (47 per cent)

The poll also found that residents remain split about the board’s decision not renew Blair’s contract for a third term following its expiration in April with 43 per cent of respondents saying they disapprove of the move and 46 per cent saying they approve of it. About 11 per cent said they don’t have an opinion.

"The chief will leave with his head high,” Forum Research President Dr. Lorne Bozinoff said in a press release accompanying the poll. “His approval is strong, as many disagree with not renewing his contract as agree and he’s seen to be either a good chief or one of the best.”

One-third would vote for Blair if he runs for office

During his 10-years on the job, Blair was credited for introducing several anti-gang initiatives that helped to reduce violent crime in priority neighbourhoods, however he faced criticism over the way police dealt with protesters during the 2010 G20 summit in Toronto.

The 29-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service also had an acrimonious relationship with former mayor Rob Ford and his brother Doug Ford in recent years following his decision to launch an investigation into the infamous crack video.

Though it is not known what Blair will do when his term wraps up on April 25, published reports have suggested that both the federal Liberal and Conservative parties see him as a potential candidate and the Forum Research poll found that he would have a chance at being elected with 36 per cent of respondents saying they would vote for him, 44 per cent saying they would not and 21 per cent saying they have no opinion.

The poll was conducted on January 24 and 25 and is considered accurate to within three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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