Nominations open today for Toronto mayoral candidates

Candidates who have already announced their intention to run for Toronto’s top job can officially launch their mayoral campaigns on Monday.

It’s expected to be a busy day at city hall, with a number of high-profile candidates who have stated their plans to run, now also stating their intention to file their paperwork to make if official.

Nominations for the mayoral byelection open at 8:30 a.m., and appointments have been made to space the candidates out.

The race for Toronto Mayor is on: At least 50 people lined up to be the first to file nomination papers this morning as the Elections Office opened at Toronto City Hall. #TOPoli pic.twitter.com/ym6TUJKRHT

— Kevin Misener (@Kevin_Misener) April 3, 2023

Former councillor Ana Bailão says she will register as a candidate at the first 8:30 a.m. appointment.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without your support, and without the strong support of community leaders and unions,” reads a statement from Bailão.

Bailão will be followed by several others, including former Toronto police chief Mark Saunders.

“I’m really excited at the opportunity of running for mayor,” Saunders told CityNews over the weekend. “I feel our city’s at the tipping point right now, it’s moving in the wrong direction.”

In a video posted to Twitter, Coun. Brad Bradford says he intends to be at city hall in the morning.

“I have never been more motivated or determined to be a strong mayor of action,” says Bradford. “Monday morning I’ll be marching into city hall to file my paperwork.”

Related: Who is running to become the next mayor of Toronto?

In a news release, Coun. Josh Matlow confirmed his appointment is booked for 9:30 a.m., and says he and his family will arrive at city hall by TTC around 9 a.m.

“I’m excited,” Matlow told CityNews. “I’ve had a very different vision of this city than the previous two mayors. I’m excited to put focus back on Torontonians priorities.”

Ontario Liberal MPP Mitzie Hunter previously announced her intention to register as a candidate on Monday, adding she intends to resign from her seat in the provincial legislature in the process.

“Toronto needs a champion and I want to be that champion,” Hunter says. “I want to ensure everyone in our city feels included and has a mayor that represents them.”

Former columnist Anthony Furey has also stated his intention to register his paperwork on Monday. Several others have indicated they plan to add their names to the ballot in the coming weeks.

City council formally declared the mayor’s office vacant on Wednesday, roughly six weeks after former mayor John Tory abruptly resigned after admitting to an affair with a member of his staff.

Nominations for the mayoral race will close on May 12, advance polls will be available from June 8-13, and the byelection itself is set for June 26.