John Tory says cleanliness in city went 'downhill' during Rob Ford years

Mayor John Tory says "Toronto is not as clean as it should be," and he is using the month of April to lead cleaning efforts around the city.

Tory was at Nathan Phillips Square to launch the Clean Toronto Together campaign, an effort to get volunteers to clean up local parks and public spaces.

Tory appeared to use the event to take a dig at his predecessor, Coun. Rob Ford. "The city is not looking its best," he said. "I think things have gone downhill in the past five years."

When Ford participated in Clean Toronto Together campaigns, he focussed primarily on graffiti eradication.

Tory carried a plastic garbage bag and after a few remarks, walked around city property picking up litter.

"I just saw John Tory, bag in hand, cleaning up the grounds around city hall. Really! So nice to have a mayor we can be proud of again," tweeted Coun. Josh Matlow, referencing the differences between Tory and Ford.

The Clean Toronto Together campaign has thus far signed up thousands of volunteers, including:

• Corporate clean-ups: 70 businesses and 2,254 employees
• School clean-ups: 266 schools and 90,582 students
• Community clean-ups: 171 events and 4,733 participants   

The 20-minute makeover days happen on April 17, while the community cleanup days happen April 17-20. More information on the cleanup efforts can be found here.