Toronto city council cuts

An appeals court has officially given the province clearance to cut down Toronto city council from 47 to 25 wards.

After several court proceedings, midnight debates and public protest, the Ford government wants to move forward, but the opposition warns that this is just the beginning.

The appeals courts called Justice Edward Belobaba’s ruling to strike down bill 5 as ‘dubious.’ As a result, Toronto’s 47 wards will be redistributed to 25 ahead of the October 22 election.

Also bill 31, the PC’s new bill which included the notwithstanding clause and was debated for hours during a rare midnight sitting on Monday, won’t be needed anymore.

“Bill 31 can still remain on the order paper but the decision today will allow bill 5 to go forward and allow that 25 ward election to go forward.” Steve Clark.

Steve Clark, the minister of municipal affairs added that he hopes the ruling stops what he calls the ‘political games’ within Queen’s Park, but the leader of the opposition says she’s not hopeful.

“The fact that the stay was granted today is not surprising given that there’s an election in a couple weeks time but there’s still uncertainty how this is going to play out at the end of the day and having a Premier who’s sole focus is so petty and vindictive remains a problem for everyone.” Andrea Horwath

Toronto’s city clerk said earlier this week that organizing the election was becoming virtually impossible without knowing how many wards to accomidate for. Mayor John Tory says with the help of the province, the race will be fair and proper.

While the Toronto election will continue with 25 new wards, on official appeal to today’s decision is underway.