The race to replace Toronto councillor Jennifer McKelvie in the ward of Scarborough–Rouge Park has concluded with politician Neethan Shan emerging victorious. The Sept. 29 vote saw Shan — a former trustee who also briefly served on council — receive just over 25% of the vote, with 5,174 ballots cast in his favour. Fellow trustee Anu Sriskandarajah placed second with 3,374 votes, closely followed by former Scarborough Business Association president Shawn Allen, who earned 2,934 votes.
“My heartfelt thanks to the residents of Scarborough Rouge Park for putting your trust in me,” Shan said in a statement. “Together, we’ve sent a clear message through this election. I will work hard to ensure we make city hall listen and address the needs of Scarborough.”
Shan’s campaign literature promised to focus on public safety, job creation, and easing gridlock.
Shan received significant backing during this year’s by-election, including endorsements from Progress Toronto — a progressive organization that also supported Olivia Chow’s 2023 mayoral campaign — and from the Toronto and York Region Labour Council. The support from progressive groups reflected Shan’s political background, as he previously served as President of the Ontario NDP and was an NDP candidate in multiple Ontario general elections.
Fellow candidates and activist groups also drew attention to Shan’s political record during the campaign period.
