Being an incumbent, Rob Ford could have an easy time winning the next mayoralty election. The problem in the 2010 election that there were 40 candidates for mayor, splitting the vote. The main opposition was split mainly between George Smitherman (35.607%) and Joe Pantalone (11.73%). Rob Ford got 47.114%, with Smitherman/Pantalone getting 47.337%, and the rest among 37 other candidates. Even candidates who dropped out late in the campaign got some votes (IE. Rossi with 0.616%).
What is needed to have only one candidate on the ballet at election to oppose Ford. Which means listening to survey polls and acting accordingly. Don't personally like that, but better than having a group of candidates splitting the vote.
Too bad that we don't have Instant Runoff Ballots or Ranked-Choice Voting. Just indicate your 1st choice, 2nd choice, etc. at election time. The first with 50%+1 wins. Even in party politics, the parties might not have to merge.