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.
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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 15 Don Valley West.
Don Valley West is located south of Highway 401, between Leslie Street on the east and Yonge Street and Mount Pleasant Street on the west and roughly north of the DVP. It includes Thorncliffe Park, St. Andrew-Windfields, Banbury-Don Mills, Bridle Path, Sunnybrook, York Mills, Leaside-Bennington, and parts of Mount Pleasant East and Lawrence Park North and South.
According to the ward profile based on the 2021 Canadian census, Don Valley West’s population is approximately 101,025.
- 38% of residents are between the ages of 20 and 49.
- 41% of residents are immigrants, primarily from China, Pakistan, Iran, the Philippines and India.
Don Valley West residents’ median annual household income is $102,000 — $18,000 higher than the city average, but remember that the ward is large and includes very different neighbourhoods, from the rich and famous Bridle Path to the Neighbourhood Improvement Area of Thorncliffe Park. 13% of residents in Don Valley West are classified as low-income, meaning they make less than $30,000 per year — similar to the city-wide average.
40% of homes are apartment buildings over five storeys, 37% are single-detached houses, with 48% of residents renting and 52% being homeowners.
Don Valley West’s local issues
I’ve been covering this ward, specifically Thorncliffe Park, as part of my Local Journalism Initiative role this year — so far, residents have told me they’re concerned about gun violence, rent affordability and above-guideline increases (or AGI), employment opportunities and pedestrian safety, as well as the development of multiplexes and the illegal removal of trees.
Some notable developments in the neighbourhood include enhanced safety barriers on the Leaside Bridge, a transit-oriented community in Thorncliffe Park and York Mills station repairs. Residents are also discussing disruptions from the construction of the new Ontario Line and estimated wait-time displays at Line 5 stations.
Ward 15 candidates
Don Valley West is currently represented by Coun. Rachel Chernos Lin, who ran and was elected in a by-election in 2024. She previously served as an elected trustee for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) for six years. She’s running for re-election this fall.
Challengers are Sheena Sharp and Denis Tsang.
How can you learn about each candidate? Use The Green Line’s tool to fact-check candidates.
If you don’t live in Ward 15, 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 October explainer on voting in the 2026 Toronto municipal election.
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