---
title: "Sara Ehrhardt backed by Layton, Tabuns and Progress Toronto in Ward 14 race"
description: "The Local reported that Sara Ehrhardt, a former TDSB trustee running in Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth, has received backing from former councillor Mike Layton, MPP Peter Tabuns, and Progress Toronto, alongside incumbent councillor Dianne Saxe."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/on/toronto-2026/news/sara-ehrhardt-endorsements-ward-14-october-13"
last_updated: "2026-10-17T18:40:00.410Z"
---

[Sara Ehrhardt](/on/toronto-2026/candidates/sara-ehrhardt) has the backing of former city councillor Mike Layton, NDP MPP Peter Tabuns, and the advocacy organization Progress Toronto in the race for Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth, The Local reported on October 13.

The endorsements come alongside that of outgoing councillor Paula Fletcher, who withdrew from the race and backed Ehrhardt before nominations closed in August. The Local reported that Ehrhardt's support grew throughout the campaign.

## Ehrhardt's community background

Ehrhardt is a former Toronto District School Board trustee who got her start in local politics as a mother fighting the proposed closure of the Duke of Connaught Junior and Senior School pool, according to The Local. After the pool stayed open, she expanded her focus to swimming programs in the east end and funding for childcare centres, before winning the TDSB trustee seat in 2022.

The Local reported that Ehrhardt's canvassing team had knocked on nearly every door in the ward at least once before the campaign began, and that she could name residents personally by their addresses.

## Saxe switched wards in August

[Dianne Saxe](/on/toronto-2026/candidates/dianne-saxe) entered the Ward 14 race at the last minute on August 21, 2026, the day registration closed, after switching from University-Rosedale, The Local reported. She had been the incumbent councillor in that ward since 2022.

The Local reported that Saxe switched because Mike Layton entered the University-Rosedale race. Saxe told The Local that she saw Ward 14 as a place where her background fitted. "Either I decided to walk away, or to keep fighting," she said, referring to her broader record in public service.

Before running for council, Saxe spent four decades as an environmental and energy lawyer. The province then appointed her as Ontario's Environmental Commissioner, an independent watchdog role. She served for three and a half years until the Doug Ford government abolished her office. "I did 17 of the best environmental reports that Ontario's ever had, and all it did was get my office dissolved," Saxe told The Local.

Saxe said she believes her background in environment, climate, and energy suits a ward that she described as one of the more environmentally aware in the city.

## The full field

The Local reported that 18 candidates are running in Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth, including [Mary Fragedakis](/on/toronto-2026/candidates/mary-fragedakis), a former councillor who previously represented a portion of the ward.

Voters in Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth choose their councillor on Election Day, Monday October 26, 2026. Polls open at 10 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Find your voting place at toronto.ca/Elections or on your Voter Information Card.

See all 18 candidates in the race at [/on/toronto-2026/races/councillor/ward-14-toronto-danforth](/on/toronto-2026/races/councillor/ward-14-toronto-danforth).

## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](/on/toronto-2026/sitemap.md) for all pages.