As in the 1974 election incumbent David Crombie faced no real opposition in his bid for reelection.

City council was mostly stable, the only notable upset was the defeat of long serving Old Guard member William Boytchuk by NDPer David White in Ward 1.

Mayor David Crombie resigned on August 31, 1978 to contest a Federal by-election for Rosedale on October 16, 1978.

When the vote was held the two candidates were tied with 11 votes each so in accordance with the Municipal Act put both names into a hat, and the name picked out of the hat would officially be pronounced interim mayor.

Thomas Clifford now became Ward 8's sole Alderman and was appointed Metro Councillor on September 11.