Frances Nunziata’s four-decade political run in Toronto comes to an end

See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source

After more than four decades representing residents in the former city of York, Frances Nunziata’s political career came to an abrupt end on Monday night.

The veteran councillor for York South–Weston has represented the area since Toronto’s amalgamation in 1998 in what was then known as York Humber.

Before that, Nunziata was elected mayor of York in 1994 after entering local politics as a school board trustee in 1985 and then as a councillor in 1988.

Seeking a ninth straight term on Toronto council, Nunziata faced stiff competition from progressive challenger Chiara Padovani and school trustee Daniel Di Giorgio, the son of longtime councillor Frank Di Giorgio.

Progressive ousts veteran councillor

Padovani, who came within 94 ballots in the 2022 race to unseat Nunziata in Ward 5, was elected with 13,407 votes, representing more than 39% of the unofficial tally. Di Giorgio finished second with 9,818 ballots, while Nunziata earned 7,441 votes.

“While (Monday’s) result is not the one we had hoped for, I want to congratulate my successor and wish them every success as they take on the honour of representing York South–Weston,” Nunziata said in a statement on her campaign website.

Nunziata said serving the community has been the “greatest honour” of her life and thanked residents for placing their trust in her.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside you, listened to your concerns, celebrated our successes and advocated for the community we all care so deeply about,” she said.

“I want to recognize the many local business owners and community organizations I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years. Your contributions have helped make York South–Weston the vibrant community it is today.”

Nunziata, who had served as Speaker since 2010, also thanked supporters and volunteers who have stood by her throughout her years in office.

“Your dedication, generosity and belief in me have meant more than words can express,” she said. “Along the way, I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and build friendships that I will always cherish. Those relationships are among the greatest gifts of my time in public service.”

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

Faced recent controversies

Earlier this month, a report claimed the veteran councillor was dropping out of the race following a rocky period involving recent controversies, but Nunziata denied she was about to make an early exit.

In August, the Toronto Sun reported that Nunziata repeatedly told constituents that hockey “is white privilege” while she was advancing plans for the future of the Weston Lions Arena, which opened in November 1949.

The city entered into an agreement with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment to remove the ice and create a second LaunchPad, a youth sports and community facility. However, after community pushback over the potential permanent loss of the rink, that plan was put on hold with the arena’s future still up in the air.

In May, political rival Di Giorgio filed an official complaint with the city alleging a Nunziata consultant had ties to a local developer and business improvement area.

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

‘Important part of my life’

And following her close 2022 victory, the integrity commissioner released a report in July 2024 that found Nunziata’s campaign had misused constituent contact information in the runup to the election.

“Although my time in elected office is coming to an end, my love for this community and the people who call it home will never change,” Nunziata said in her goodbye message to supporters.

“York South–Weston has been such an important part of my life, and that will always be true.”

1. 

   Canada
2. 

   Golf
3. 

   Toronto Blue Jays
4. 

   Toronto & GTA
5. 

   Columnists