Mike Layton files nomination to reclaim Ward 11 seat as Saxe withdraws last-minute

Mike Layton filed nomination papers at city hall Monday morning to reclaim his former Ward 11 University-Rosedale seat, announcing his return to municipal politics after stepping away for four years to focus on family.

Layton, who represented University-Rosedale from 2010 to 2022, said his daughters' futures motivated his decision to run again. "I want them to feel safe and travel the streets in whatever form they do and be able to get around in and live here in the future, regardless of what they're able to afford," he said.

His entry shook up the race. Incumbent Dianne Saxe withdrew her candidacy for Ward 11 in a last-minute decision, announcing she will run in Ward 14 instead. The timing of Saxe's withdrawal came directly after Layton joined the race.

Layton's stated priorities include affordable housing, transit, and solar panels on rooftops. During his previous tenure, he advocated for Bloor Street bike lanes. He said the relationship with his stepmother, Mayor Olivia Chow, should not be an issue for constituents. "I'm pretty confident in my approach and how I can work with others on city council, whether or not they're relatives or not," he said.

Nine candidates are now vying for the Ward 11 seat ahead of the Oct. 26 election. Diana Yoon, a climate and affordability activist, is among them. "We can't just clear encampments, that's not solving the problem," Yoon said. "People need permanent pathways to be helped and be housed."

HighOnCity reported in August that University-Rosedale had become Toronto's most contested municipal ward, with candidates lined up for nominations.