Toronto to hold byelection in Scarborough-Rouge Park to replace Jennifer McKelvie

Toronto city council has decided to hold a byelection to replace former councillor Jennifer McKelvie in Scarborough-Rouge Park now that she has been elected as the Liberal MP for Ajax.

Council voted 19-1 to declare a vacancy in Ward 25 and to fill that vacancy by holding a byelection instead of appointing a replacement.

McKelvie, who was deputy mayor, took over mayoral duties for a brief term following former mayor John Tory's resignation in 2023. She resigned from her council seat effective May 9. 

Mayor Olivia Chow moved the motion to hold a byelection.

"I think it's important to respect local democracy and let the residents of Scarborough–Rouge Park decide who represents them at city hall," Chow said on Thursday.

Coun. Parthi Kandavel, who represents Scarborough Southwest, declared a conflict of interest because his spouse may run as a candidate in the byelection race. Coun. Jon Burnside voted against the motion to hold a byelection, while five councillors were absent.

Chow also formally congratulated McKelvie on her April 28 federal election victory.

"She stepped in and did an enormous amount of work as the mayor earlier this term. I know that all of you in council want to join me in wishing Jennifer the best in the House of Commons even though we know that we will miss her very much," Chow said.

According to a report to council, the date of the byelection will be determined by the city clerk, "acting independently of council," and the cost of the byelection is expected to be $550,000. No date has been set yet.

The city said in a news release on Friday that "several factors will be considered by the city clerk when determining voting dates, including holidays and ensuring adequate time for the preparation of the by-election."

Nominations will open June 23

Nominations will open on June 23, 2025 and close on nomination day between 30 and 60 days later. Voting day — 45 days after nomination day — will be no earlier than Sept. 8, 2025 and no later than Oct. 6, 2025. 

According to the report, the person elected will hold office for the remainder of the term, which ends on Nov. 14, 2026.

Until the byelection is held, Ward 25, Scarborough-Rouge Park staff will remain in place and will address constituency matters for residents, the city said in its release.

McKelvie was councillor for Scarborough-Rouge Park for seven years. She was chair of council's infrastructure and environment committee. Prior to her stint on council, she was chair of the board of directors of the Scarborough Community Renewal Organization, an advocacy group of volunteers that seeks to renew Toronto's easternmost district.

McKelvie won the federal riding of Ajax for the Liberals with 56.3 per cent of the vote, beating Conservative candidate Greg Brady, who picked up 39.1 per cent.