5/17/2011 9:12:11 PM

May 13, 2011

City of Toronto to hold by-elections for City Council Ward 9 and TDSB Ward 4 (City Wards 7 and 8)

After careful consideration, Toronto City Clerk, Ulli Watkiss, has decided not to appeal the April 21 decision by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice which declared the election results invalid for City Council Ward 9 and TDSB Ward 4 (City Wards 7 and 8) and ordered by-elections for these two offices. The City will hold by-elections for these two offices on July 25.

The court's decision focused on the administrative process used to add eligible voters to the voters' list on Election Day. In light of the court's decision, the City Clerk's Office is reviewing its administrative processes and will make any necessary adjustments to the process of adding eligible electors to the voters' list.

The City Clerk is an independent municipal officer with responsibility for conducting the municipal election.

"The decision to proceed with a by-election and resolve this matter as quickly as possible is in the best interest of the public, the individuals directly affected, and the workings of Council," said Ms. Watkiss.

Nominations for the affected offices will be accepted from May 24 to June 10. A detailed fact sheet with timelines and further information about the by-election is available at http://www.toronto.ca/elections/index.htm.