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Council had the option of bypassing an election and appointing a replacement instead, but a majority of councillors agreed a special election was the better option. The vote was 19 in favour, with five councillors absent and Coun. Jon Burnside the sole opposing vote. 

“I think it’s important to respect local democracy and let the residents of Scarborough—Rouge Park decide who represents them at city hall,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. 

The timing of the byelection, expected to cost $550,000, has yet to be determined. 

While nominations will open June 23, under provincial law the city clerk must choose a date 30 to 60 days later for nominations to close. Voting day must be 45 days after the close of nominations, which means the election will take place no earlier than Sept. 8, and no later than Oct. 6.

The winner will serve on council for the remainder of the term, which ends Nov. 14, 2026. 

McKelvie was first elected in 2018 and served as statutory deputy mayor under John Tory. In April’s federal election she ran successfully for the Liberals in the riding of Ajax. She resigned her council seat May 9. 

Under Chow, she was a ceremonial deputy mayor and chair of council’s infrastructure and environment committee. On Wednesday, the mayor announced Coun. Paul Ainslie would take the ceremonial title to represent Scarborough and Coun. Paula Fletcher will become the new chair of the committee.

Even before a byelection was officially called, some would-be candidates had expressed their intent to vie for McKelvie’s council seat.

Among the potential contenders are º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøDistrict School Board (TDSB) chair Neethan Shan; Scarborough—Rouge Park TDSB trustee Anu Sriskandarajah; former Scarborough Business Association president Shawn Allen; and charity executive Reza Khoshdel. 

Anthony Furey, the controversial right-wing candidate who placed second in last November’s Ward 15 (Don Valley West) byelection, said Thursday he doesn’t plan to enter the race for Scarborough—Rouge Park.