Toronto City Council Calls By-Election for Ward 25 Following McKelvie Resignation

TORONTO – The City of Toronto will hold a by-election in Ward 25 (Scarborough–Rouge Park) following the resignation of Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, which took effect on May 9, 2025.

At this week’s City Council meeting, councillors officially declared the Ward 25 seat vacant and voted to fill the vacancy by by-election, rather than appointment.

🗳️ Key Dates:

• The bylaw requiring the by-election will come into effect on Sunday, June 22 at 11:59 p.m.

• Nominations open on Monday, June 23, when the vacancy is legally deemed to exist.

Election officials will now begin preparations, and voting dates will be determined by the City Clerk in the coming weeks, taking into account summer holidays and logistical timelines.

🏛️ Background & Process

Under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, Toronto City Council must either appoint a replacement or call a by-election within 60 days of declaring a council seat vacant. McKelvie’s departure—following her service as Deputy Mayor and Ward 25 Councillor—triggered this process.

Potential candidates are reminded they cannot incur campaign expenses or accept donations until they have filed nomination papers with the City Clerk. Details on the nomination process and candidate eligibility will be posted at:
🔗 toronto.ca/elections

The City Clerk’s full report on the vacancy and by-election can be viewed here:
🔗 Background File PDF

🧭 What’s Next for Residents?

Until a new councillor is elected, Ward 25 constituency staff remain in place to support residents with local issues.
Contact information is available at:
🔗 toronto.ca/ward25

City Council’s discussion of the vacancy is also available to watch online via the
📺 Toronto City Council Live YouTube channel.

Stay with GTA Today for updates on the by-election timeline, candidate profiles, and voter information. #GTAToday