This article was produced as part of the Local Journalism Initiative.
Do you know your ward well enough to vote in Toronto’s municipal election this fall?
If not, no worries — we’re here to catch you up.
Toronto’s municipal election is coming up on Oct. 26, with advance voting open between Oct. 6 and 11. So we’re here to help you stay informed on what’s happening in your neighbourhood before you cast your ballot for mayor, city councillor and school board trustee.
Here are the basics that you need to know about Ward 16 Don Valley East.
Don Valley East is part of North York and located south of Highway 401, between Leslie Street on the west and Victoria Park Avenue on the east and roughly north of Sunrise Avenue. It includes Flemingdon Park, Victoria Village, Parkwoods-O’Connor Hills, Fenside and parts of Banbury-Don Mills and St. Andrew-Windfields.
According to the ward profile based on the 2021 Canadian census, Don Valley East’s population is approximately 94,335.
- 40.1% of residents are between the ages of 20 and 49.
- 53.4% of residents are immigrants, primarily from the Philippines, India, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Don Valley East residents’ median annual household income is almost $5,000 lower than Toronto’s overall average, at $78,500 and 14% of people are classified as low-income — those with an average annual household income of under $30,000.
Almost 60% of homes are apartment buildings over five storeys, with only 14% of dwellings being single detached houses. 56% of residents are renters versus 44% who are homeowners.
Don Valley East’s local issues
I’ve been covering this ward, specifically Flemingdon Park, as part of my Local Journalism Initiative role this year — so far, residents have told me they’re concerned about rent affordability and above-guideline increases (or AGI), landlord and maintenance issues in rental buildings, the lack of recreational spaces and programming, employment opportunities and pedestrian safety.
Recently, this ward has had multiple controversial developments, including a new fire hall on two tennis courts at 165 Grenoble Dr. and four buildings on a golf course. Locals and politicians have also been discussing the future of the Ontario Science Centre building, as well as urban and social planning with the construction of an Ontario Line station.
Ward 16 candidates
Don Valley East is currently represented by Coun. Jon Burnside, who was elected in 2022 (and previously served as councillor for the former Ward 26 Don Valley West) and is running for re-election this fall.
Challengers are Sinan Erdemir, Stacey Moffatt and Didi Moffat.
How can you learn about each? Use The Green Line’s tool to fact-check candidates.
If you don’t live in Ward 16, you can find your own ward on THEGREENLINE.TO Plus: more hyperlocal coverage to keep you in the loop this election cycle.
For information on how and where to vote, check out The Green Line’s explainer on voting in the 2026 Toronto municipal election.
Fact-Check Yourself
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