Restrict Councillor Resources During Mayoral Run

Summary#

This item updates Toronto’s rules on how City resources can be used when a by-election for Mayor is held. It extends the same limits that normally apply after August 1 in a general election year to any City Councillor who files to run for Mayor in a by-election. The goal is to avoid the City giving an advantage to any candidate and to keep rules consistent.

Key changes:

• The post–August 1 election-period limits now apply to Councillors as soon as they file their mayoral by-election nomination.
• City-funded ads, newsletters, flyers, community events, and most promotional activities by that Councillor’s office must stop until the vote.
• City staff will avoid naming or showing that Councillor in City-paid communications and event signage.
• City funds cannot be used by that Councillor’s office for website updates, social media management, robocalls, new domain names, large orders of stationery, new office furniture/equipment, tickets to events, or gifts/promotional items.
• Ceremonial scrolls and similar documents normally signed by Councillors will be handled by the City instead (as provided in the existing policy).

What it means for you#

• Residents in wards where the Councillor runs for Mayor:

  • You will likely see fewer newsletters, flyers, and promotional emails from your Councillor’s office during the by-election period.
  • Your Councillor’s office cannot organize ward events (like BBQs or movie nights) or buy tickets/gifts with City funds while they are a mayoral candidate.
  • City notices and signage will avoid naming or showing your Councillor during this period, though operational and emergency information will still be provided.
  • Routine casework and help with City services are not listed as restricted, so day-to-day assistance from the office would likely continue.

• Community groups and event organizers:

  • Your Councillor’s office cannot use City funds to sponsor or promote ward events, buy tickets, or provide gifts/promo items if that Councillor is running for Mayor.
  • City signage for events will not include the name of a Councillor who is a mayoral candidate.

• City staff and City communications:

  • Staff must ensure City-paid materials do not reference the name or image of any Councillor who has filed to run for Mayor in the by-election.
  • Ceremonial documents normally signed by Councillors will be issued by the City as per the policy.

• Other Councillors (not running for Mayor):

  • These added limits target only Members who register as mayoral candidates during the by-election. The usual rules for others are unchanged.

• Timing:

  • The limits start when a Councillor files their nomination to run for Mayor in a by-election. The existing policies suggest such limits run until Election Day. The amendment for by-elections does not state the end date explicitly, but it would likely be until Election Day.

Expenses#

Estimated public cost: no direct cost. The City Manager’s report states there are no financial implications from adopting these amendments.

• No new fees or spending are identified.
• The changes could reduce the risk of the City making a prohibited contribution to a campaign (money, goods, or services).

Proponents' View#

• The change appears intended to keep City resources neutral during a mayoral by-election, as required by the Municipal Elections Act.
• It makes the by-election period consistent with general election rules already in place after August 1.
• Applying clear limits as soon as a Councillor files to run for Mayor could prevent the City from unintentionally helping a campaign through communications, events, or office spending.
• Standardizing practice may improve fairness among candidates and public confidence in the election.

Opponents' View#

• One concern is reduced communication: residents may receive fewer newsletters or event updates from their Councillor’s office if that Councillor runs for Mayor, which could limit outreach on non-election matters.
• Avoiding the Councillor’s name or image in City materials may confuse some residents about who represents them during the by-election period.
• The amendment applies only to Councillors who run for Mayor; managing different rules for different Members at the same time could create administrative complexity.
• The by-election-specific end date and certain “necessary modifications” are not detailed in the summary materials, which may leave some implementation questions.