Toronto's York South-Weston council race is a rematch decided by 94 votes last time

The ward of York South-Weston has long been a battleground in Toronto's municipal elections, and in 2022 it was the closest race in the city, decided by just 94 votes.

This year it is a rematch. Incumbent Frances Nunziata, who has held the seat for more than three decades, faces Chiara Padovani again. A third contender, Daniel Di Giorgio, a former two-term school trustee for the area, is also in the running.

The ward includes the new Mount Dennis light-rail station, Little Jamaica, Keelesdale and the Brookhaven-Amesbury neighbourhood. Some residents say recent development has not gone far enough. Nic Boshart of the Harwood neighbourhood said the parks have been stagnant and the area needs better transit. José Medeiros said potholes are not being fixed.

Padovani, a social worker in the community, said she is running a third time because she kept putting people on waitlists for recreation, housing and senior support. Despite losing in 2022, she kept her campaign office open to keep working with residents.

reporters reached out to Nunziata for comment. Earlier this month she denied a news report that she was dropping out of the race, and said in a statement that she is not finished fighting for the ward.