Mayor bristles at calls to fill Rob Ford’s seat immediately

Mayor John Tory is reacting to criticism that city council is not moving fast enough to fill the Ward 2 seat held by the late Rob Ford.

Tory says council didn’t think it would be appropriate to declare Ford’s seat vacant just hours after remembering him and the day after his funeral.

Tory says the constituents of Ward 2 will not be forgotten, adding that replacing a councilor is an important and urgent matter but there is an established process in place.

The mayor says council will receive a report from the clerk ahead of the May meeting which will outline the options available, which could include holding a byelection or making an appointment.

Councilor Giorgio Mammoliti says he plans to bring forth an emergency motion to have Ford’s brother, Doug, appointed as the representative in Ward 2. He says that will ensure the residents of Etobicoke North have proper representation ahead of a debate on a report proposing changes to Toronto’s existing ward boundaries.