Toronto – Toronto City Council declared the Council seat in Ward 20, Scarborough Southwest vacant and opted for a by-election to fill the vacancy. The vacancy was created by the resignation of former Councillor Gary Crawford which took effect on Wednesday, July 26. The by-law requiring a by-election will be passed and come into force at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6, which meets the 60-day requirement set out in provincial legislation, and will result in nominations opening on Thursday, September 7. A variety of 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. More information about the by-election will be posted over the next few weeks on the Toronto Elections webpage.
Under provincial law, when a Councillor resigns, City Council must officially declare the seat vacant at its next meeting, after which it has 60 days to either appoint a qualified elector to fill the vacancy or pass a by-law requiring a by-election. Until the vacancy is filled, the former Councillor’s staff remain in place and are available to address constituency matters for residents of Scarborough Southwest. Contact information for the office is available on the City’s website. A recording of today’s meeting is available on the Toronto City Council Live YouTube channel 
. The City Clerk’s report is available on the City’s website.