Ten of 13 Ward 19 Beaches-East York candidates met residents on October 5
Beach Metro Community News and the Balmy Beach Residents Association held a candidates' meet-and-greet for Ward 19 on October 5. Ten of the 13 councillor candidates attended. Residents raised flooding, housing, and transit as top concerns.
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Ten of the 13 candidates running for city council in Ward 19 Beaches-East York attended a community meet-and-greet on October 5, Beach Metro Community News reported. The event was co-hosted by Beach Metro Community News and the Balmy Beach Residents Association.
The ten candidates who attended were Nate Erskine-Smith, James Dann, Natalie Johnson, Kevin Morrison, Karsten Riedel, Mohammad Shabani, Adam Smith, Jeff Wahl, Devin Wilkins, and Jennie Worden. Syeda Jaana Ali, Fatima Ibrahimi, and Austin Vieira were not present.
Flooding topped the list of resident concerns
Residents raised flooding as one of the most common complaints in the ward. James Dann said that flooding calls lead the ward's city service complaint volume and named it a top priority for the next councillor. He cited his background in city services as preparation for addressing it. Other concerns residents raised included housing costs, transit reliability, vacant storefronts, property taxes, and communication between city hall and the community.
One attendee told Beach Metro Community News that the challenge will be getting the right people to put the ward's issues first.
What the candidates said
Erskine-Smith, a former federal Liberal MP, said residents were asking for faster and more reliable transit and cleaner, greener homes. On housing, he said voters wanted to know how the city would address homelessness while keeping public spaces welcoming for everyone.
Karsten Riedel said he supported improving traffic light timing across the ward and making city transit free for riders aged 25 and under. Mohammad Shabani outlined a proposal for a community investment bank and a plan for a highrise redevelopment zone. Devin Wilkins said he would focus on rent caps and services for people without stable housing.
Natalie Johnson said she wanted to preserve neighbourhood character while also creating a range of new housing options across the ward. Kevin Morrison addressed vacant storefronts and communication gaps between residents and their council representative.
Ward 19 voters can cast a ballot in advance from October 6 to October 11 at City of Toronto voting locations. Election day is October 26, 2026. See all 13 candidates at /on/toronto-2026/races/councillor/ward-19-beaches-east-york.
Questions this story answers
Which Ward 19 candidates attended the October 5 event?
Ten of the 13 Ward 19 Beaches-East York councillor candidates attended the meet-and-greet on October 5, 2026. Those who attended were: James Dann, Nate Erskine-Smith, Natalie Johnson, Kevin Morrison, Karsten Riedel, Mohammad Shabani, Adam Smith, Jeff Wahl, Devin Wilkins, and Jennie Worden. Beach Metro Community News reported that Syeda Jaana Ali, Fatima Ibrahimi, and Austin Vieira were not present.
Who hosted the Ward 19 meet-and-greet?
Beach Metro Community News and the Balmy Beach Residents Association co-hosted the Ward 19 Beaches-East York councillor candidates' meet-and-greet on October 5, 2026. The event gave residents a chance to ask questions directly to the candidates. Beach Metro Community News covered the event and published a report on October 7.
What issues did Ward 19 residents raise?
Beach Metro Community News reported that residents raised flooding as one of the most common concerns in the ward. James Dann, who noted that flooding leads the ward's city service complaints, said it was a top priority. Residents also raised housing costs and affordability, transit reliability, vacant storefronts, property taxes, and communication between city council and residents. Homelessness was also mentioned.
What did Nate Erskine-Smith say at the event?
Nate Erskine-Smith, a former Liberal MP running for the Ward 19 council seat, said residents expressed needs for faster and more reliable transit, and cleaner, greener homes. On housing he said voters were asking about affordable housing, how to address homelessness while keeping public spaces welcoming. His candidate page is at /on/toronto-2026/candidates/nate-erskine-smith.
Who is Nate Erskine-Smith and why is he running?
Nate Erskine-Smith is a former federal Liberal MP who represented the Beaches-East York riding. He is now running for the Ward 19 city council seat in the October 26, 2026 Toronto municipal election. His declared priorities include housing, transit, and community services. You can see his candidate page at /on/toronto-2026/candidates/nate-erskine-smith.
Which candidates did not attend the Ward 19 event?
Three of the 13 Ward 19 Beaches-East York council candidates were not present at the October 5 meet-and-greet: Syeda Jaana Ali, Fatima Ibrahimi, and Austin Vieira. Beach Metro Community News reported their absence. Their candidate pages are on this site and can be found at /on/toronto-2026/races/councillor/ward-19-beaches-east-york.
How do I vote in Ward 19 Beaches-East York?
Advance voting in Toronto runs from October 6 to October 11, 2026 at City of Toronto voting locations. Election day is October 26, 2026. You can find your voting location and check your registration at toronto.ca/elections. You must be on the City's voters list. The full Ward 19 candidate list is at /on/toronto-2026/races/councillor/ward-19-beaches-east-york.
Where can I see all Ward 19 Beaches-East York candidates?
All 13 Ward 19 Beaches-East York councillor candidates are listed on this site at /on/toronto-2026/races/councillor/ward-19-beaches-east-york. The ward is one of 25 Toronto wards electing a city councillor on October 26, 2026. Advance voting runs October 6 to October 11 at City-run locations.
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