The Ward 15 By-Election set for November 4, 2024, will decide on a candidate to succeed Councillor Jaye Robinson as Ward 15 representative on City Council. The successful candidate will also be appointed as a member of North York Community Council and other Council Committees.
The Ward 15 Resident Association By-Election Planning Committee (RA- BEPC) has been established to encourage and support informed discussion regarding the issues relevant to residents of Ward 15. The RA-BEPC is politically neutral and will not be taking a position in favour of a particular candidate.
The BEPC recognizes that with the number of registered candidates (16 ) holding an All Candidates Meeting (ACM) would represent a significant challenge. Instead we plan to hold a virtual meeting via Zoom, with five of the registered candidates on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 7 to 9 p.m. In order to refine a select list of candidates we have devised a short questionnaire to be completed by all registered candidates.
The deadline for candidate responses to the questionnaire was September 23, 2024. Twelve surveys were sent out (four had no contact info) and ten of the registered candidates responded by the deadline, with one (Sam Robinson) responding after the deadline. All eleven responses are provided here.
The survey:
Background Questions
- Do you live in Ward 15?
- Have you previously run and/or been elected for municipal office (school board trustee or city councillor). Please provide details
- Have you engaged in community and/or city building activities? Please provide examples
- Do you have any relationships with developers or labour unions who may have potential conflicts of interest with the City?
Qualifications Questions
- Why do you want to be the City Councillor for Don Valley West?
- What experience and accomplishments do you bring that you think will make you a good representative for Ward 15?
- What are the key 3-5 issues you see facing Ward 15 and the City?
- What is the first thing you will work on if elected?
Survey Responses
Rachel Chernos Lin
I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I want to make sure we have safe, clean, accessible, affordable, and friendly neighbourhoods where communities and businesses can thrive.
Habiba Desai
As a dedicated advocate for community safety and development, I am running for City Councillor in Ward 15 to address key issues affecting residents’ quality of life. My platform focuses on four core goals: 1) enhancing public safety, 2) empowering local communities, 3) protecting women’s rights and safety, and 4) preserving spaces like the Ontario Science Centre.
Anthony Furey
I want to be the councillor for Don Valley West so I can provide effective representation to the residents on the local issues that matter to them. I know the area well and am proud to have team members on my campaign from across the ward who represent the many distinctive communities that make up Don Valley West.
Dhruv Jain
I am running to be our next City Councillor because I’m passionate about building family-friendly communities with diverse housing options, infrastructure and transit that works for everyone, and safe neighbourhoods with vibrant, green parks.
Sam Robinson
I want to be the City Councillor for Don Valley West to continue the legacy of my mother, Jaye Robinson. Over the last 14 years, I witnessed her deep commitment to this community, from improving road safety to preserving parks and supporting local businesses, all with a focus on fiscal responsibility. I was involved in all of her campaigns and saw firsthand how she worked with residents to address key issues..
Evan Sambasivam
I was born and raised in Don Valley West. I love our community, but I’m worried about what I’m seeing in the city. I’m worried about the cost of housing, and the lack of affordable options that match the needs of our communities. I’m worried about traffic congestion, poor planning, and the decline of the TTC. Toronto is supposed to be a global city, but it’s harder to get around than ever before.
Shakhlo Sharipova
I am committed to building a stronger, more connected Ward where no one is left behind. Whether it’s housing, food security, traffic or development issues, community engagement, or access to city services, I want to make sure that every resident’s voice is heard, and their needs are met. Together, we can overcome the challenges we face and build a community where everyone thrives.
Sheena Sharp
I want the city to meet the challenge of climate change and Housing in all its forms; more family housing, housing for homeless people, and cheaper housing. I have worked as an architect for 30 years. I can see what the city is doing does not work, yet we need action at the city level. I think I can contribute a missing perspective at the council table.
Jason Stevens
Having served in a few elected positions and recently going before the city’s budget committee in 2024 I believe my knowledge of local, provincial and federal politics, government officials and business will help me connect residents with problem solvers in a timely fashion.
Dan Trayes
I want to be councillor to help and give back to the community. My goal is to combine my lived experiences as well as my work experience pertaining to the job of councillor in order to achieve results for the community as a whole.
Lesley Stoyan
My robust list of accomplishments in the previous section showcases my experience and expertise, but what makes me an ideal candidate for City Councillor is my profound passion for my city, and my fierce drive to fight to keep it independent from partisan politics, and complicated provincial and federal agendas.
Photo credit: Aviva West, via CC BY-SA 2.0