Ward 25 By-Election Candidate Forums

The City Councillor position for Ward 25 is currently vacant. A By-Election will be held on Monday, September 29 to fill the vacancy.

The four Community Associations in the southern half of Ward 25 are hosting the following candidate forums for residents to meet candidates.

• Saturday, September 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Port Union Community Centre, 5450 Lawrence Avenue East
• Tuesday, September 16 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Royal Canadian Legion, 305 Morrish Road

As there are 20 registered candidates, rather than a debate, the candidate forums will feature a “candidate marketplace” where residents can meet candidates in one place, engage in conversations, and receive campaign literature. Beginning at 7:00 p.m. each candidate will be provided with two and a half minutes to speak, following which those in attendance will have the opportunity to connect directly with the candidates.

Voting Day for the By-Election is Monday, September 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Advance Voting takes place on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Are you on the Voters’ List? Do you know where to vote? Check the City of Toronto’s MyVote website at myvote.toronto.ca.

All 20 registered candidates for the upcoming Ward 25 by-election were invited to submit a brief biography for this event and latest edition of The Villager:

Walter Alvarez-Bardales — Born in war-torn Guatemala, Walter Alvarez-Bardales survived civil conflict, homelessness, and learning disabilities to become a federal civil servant, MBA salutatorian and doctoral candidate in social sciences. An Afro-Indigenous immigrant, he champions equity through his Democracy Matters! YouTube channel (500K+ views) and a decade of healthcare-inclusion research. As Ward 25 councillor, he will defend accessible transit, expand mental health and community clinics, protect affordable housing, and ensure transparent and accountable governance that preserves hard-won gains while also advancing racial, cultural, and disability justice.

Anita Anandarajan — My name is Anita Anandarajan, and I have been living in this riding for 10 years. I hold a Bachelor of Science from the University of Ottawa and have completed post-graduate studies in Human Resources Management. I have worked in the community as a workforce developer and was the Ontario Liberal candidate in the 2022 and 2025 provincial elections. I am committed to serving you—listening to our community’s voices and taking a comprehensive approach to violence prevention, public safety, climate justice, and transit solutions. I will use all available city government resources to protect our residents and deliver efficient city services.

Darrell Brown — Darrell Brown has been an effective advocate for numerous groups across the decades, successfully spurring on legislative and regulatory changes. He knows how to communicate, to send the right message at the right time. His last assignment was raising $15 million during COVID to stave off the CNE’s demise. It now sits with the largest surplus in its 146-year history ($32 million). Darrell has worked in 15 countries including Southeast and Central Asia, Europe and North America addressing almost any issue thoroughly and efficiently. As a Ward 25 City Councillor, he can be your voice.

Zia Choudhary — Zia Choudhary is a proud resident of Ward 25, Scarborough–Rouge Park with over 40 years of professional and community service experience. A Realtor, Financial Advisor, Tax Professional, and Chair of the Port Union Waterfront Festival Committee, he has long served the community with dedication. Zia is running for City Councillor to support seniors, improve housing affordability, strengthen transit and infrastructure, invest in youth, and ensure fiscal responsibility. He promises open, accessible leadership that delivers real results. Vote Zia Choudhary for City Councillor.

Reza Khoshdel — Reza Khoshdel is a committed family man and longtime ward resident, raising his children with his wife in the community he serves. With a BComm, MBA, and MPA, he brings strong academic credentials and proven leadership. As Executive Director of a registered charity and President of the West Rouge Association, Reza has delivered results through grassroots leadership and advocacy. His vision is clear: safer communities, stronger city services, investment in youth and seniors, thriving local businesses, better housing, and improved transportation; because he believes these are the foundations of a stronger, more vibrant community.

Donna LaRush — Please vote for LaRush, Donna. I retired from Toronto Fire in Feb 2025 as a firefighter. I know Ward 25 well. I chaired a TDSB parents council for years. Was a founding member of an Eco protection group, helped start a Scarborough food bank and volunteered at a Scarborough out of the cold program. I started a single seniors meetup group. Together we will fight for equity, appropriate housing, a safe, well-planned community for everyone. I support local. I will make sure tax dollars are not wasted. Together we will have a vision and accomplish goals.

Brian Matthews — Amidst a crowded field of familiar faces, I offer an independent voice for Ward 25. Unlike other candidates, my focus is not on past battles but on our future. I understand that our community is poised for new growth and development. My priority is to proactively ensure that we have the necessary services—from infrastructure to community resources, including transit and public spaces—to support this growth. I’m a dedicated, hands-on leader ready to tackle our community’s challenges head-on. To learn more about my platform, visit www.electbrianmatthews.com.

Zakir Patel — Running to be your next Ward 25 Councillor. A lifelong public servant and Scarborough – Rouge Park resident. I have lived in Scarborough for more than 29 years; I’ve dedicated my career to helping families and communities thrive. As a TDSB Trustee since 2018, I’ve proudly served residents, and I remain committed to listening, advocating, and delivering results. As Councillor, I’ll ensure your tax dollars are invested with a clear value return in services and programs, address affordability, and prioritize safety by supporting police and community-led solutions. I look forward to connecting and hearing from you.

Gregory Rodriguez — My name is Gregory Rodriguez, born and raised in Toronto and a proud single father to a teenage son with autism. With a background in law enforcement, protection services, MMA, and hockey, I’ve dedicated my life to discipline, service, and community. I’ve seen City services decline since amalgamation, and I’m running to restore accountability, transparency, and excellence. Through my “4 Corners Program”, residents not bureaucrats will have the final say on local issues. My promise: every decision must “Make It Make Sense” – logical, community-driven, and beneficial to the majority.

Shean Sinnarajah — Shean Sinnarajah is a centre-right, results-focused candidate for City Councillor in Ward 25, Scarborough–Rouge Park. His plan is straightforward: deliver the basics, publish metrics, and fix what isn’t working. In his first months he’ll press to accelerate the Port Union Road widening, advance the Morningside Avenue extension to Steeles, fully fund practical Vision Zero upgrades, speed snow clearing, improve waste service, and streamline small-business permits. Shean will carry forward Jennifer McKelvie’s service-first priorities—advancing the Eglinton East LRT, tackling basement flooding, strengthening ravine resilience, and managing growth—while maintaining an open, accessible office in the ward’s south.

Anu Sriskandarajah — Dr. Anu Sriskandarajah is a tenured Professor at York University and has served since 2018 as the elected TDSB Trustee for Scarborough–Rouge Park. At the Board, she chaired the Director-Search Committee during leadership transitions and gained valuable governance experience that will directly benefit the residents of Ward 25. A longtime Scarborough resident and proud mom of two, Anu contends that elected experience matters. She is committed to the fair use of tax dollars, better city services that meet local needs, and the conservation of Scarborough’s green spaces through steady leadership, accountability, and meaningful public consultation.

Ashan Fernando — Having called Scarborough–Rouge Park my home for over 25 years, I have attended local schools, remained active with St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and served as Interim Co-Chair of Port Union Winterfest, President of the West Hill–Highland Creek Lions Club, and Board Director at Surrey Place. With 24+ years of professional experience and ongoing Paralegal studies at George Brown College, I’m committed to advocating for inclusion, accessibility, and stronger communities.

Shawn Allen — Born and currently living in Scarborough–Rouge Park with my family, my experience as the founder of a successful financial services company and as an entrepreneur has prepared me for the importance of being fiscally prudent with taxpayers’ money and merging business success with social impact. I will serve in the tradition of Jennifer McKelvie, maintaining and improving our city and community, while remaining thoughtful, judicious, and frugal with tax dollars.


Neethan Shan — In addition to raising two boys with my wife, I’ve served this community for 20+ years as a youth worker, teacher, trustee, and city councillor. Having made City Hall listen to Scarborough before by pushing for the subway extension to Scarborough and bringing local jobs and investments for our parks, I know that we can make life more affordable, make our communities safer, repair our roads, and provide local opportunities for youth.


Jose Moreno — As your West Hill, Centennial, and West Rouge neighbour since 2006, as well as a registered dental hygienist and small business owner, I’ve launched a mobile clinic to serve senior, marginalized, and underserved communities. Having started my life here in 1990 in a Toronto shelter, I’m running to preserve the Rouge, ensure that residents have a real voice at City Hall, and represent our community with fairness, transparency, and integrity..



Other Ward 25 candidates that did not submit profiles by the publication deadline:

• Kevin Cheatley,
• Jamil Kerr,
• Huy Lieu,
• Jose Moreno Garcia,
• Dianna Robinson,
• Shemar Shirley.