University-Rosedale emerges as Toronto's most contested municipal election ward with 11 candidates

University-Rosedale has become Toronto's most contested municipal ward, with 11 candidates vying for the seat as nominations approach their Friday deadline at 2 p.m.

Former city councillor Mike Layton officially registered his candidacy Monday. Layton, son of late federal NDP leader Jack Layton, served on city council from 2010 to 2022, representing University-Rosedale from 2018 to 2022. He chose not to seek re-election in 2022, when the seat was won by incumbent councillor Dianne Saxe, the former leader of the Green Party of Ontario. Saxe is seeking another term.

The current registered candidates in University-Rosedale are: Gabe Blanc, Keenan Courtis, Dana Fisher, Terri Hawkes, Mike Layton, Karina Lemke, Alice Li, Huy Lieu, Gian Pileri, Dianne Saxe, and Diana Yoon.

Several other wards are close behind with crowded fields. Scarborough-Southwest, Beaches-East York, and Scarborough Centre each have 10 candidates registered. Beaches-East York is another ward to watch: incumbent Brad Bradford opted not to seek re-election and is running for mayor instead, leaving the ward without its current councillor on the ballot.

Toronto's 2026 municipal election is scheduled for October 26. The nomination period closes Friday at 2 p.m., and the candidate field could still change before nominations officially close.