In the end the only number that matters is 71.
Everything else pales. The unsurprising, lifeless re-election of John Tory as mayor. The handful of upsets and pleasant surprises at the council level. Even the uptick toward a more inclusive representation in City Hall, greater (but still unequal) gender balance, fewer pasty white faces (the Tory caucus, I’ll call them). A typical election night in its disappointments and triumphs. Continue reading
If you don’t spend much time on social media, especially my social media, you might be surprised to learn that there’s a municipal election here in Toronto in less than three weeks. In fact, advance polls begin tomorrow. Time sure flies when you’re in a constant state of disquiet, amirite? Climate crisis. War in Europe. North Korean missiles over Japan. Tactical nuclear strikes. Omicron omnivariant. A ‘King’ Charles. The upcoming wildcard series.
Tomorrow, August 19, is the deadline for candidates to file nomination papers in order to run in the October 24th municipal election race. On Monday the 22nd, the city clerk will certify the nominations, making everything official. 
After the Labour Day weekend, the campaign will begin in earnest.
Barring any last minute, out-of-the-blue entries, I think it’s safe to say, Toronto is staring down at the most desultory civic election since, perhaps, 2000 when Mayor Mel Lastman rolled to re-election in the 2nd post-amalgamation campaign, handily defeating environmental activist Tooker Gomberg with nearly 80% of the popular vote. Continue reading