Parthi Kandavel
Councillor Parthi Kandavel is a pragmatic, fiscally conservative representative who typically votes with the council majority. His record reveals a consistent pattern: he supports individual housing development approvals and targeted housing programs but dissents on expansive, city-wide housing policies and zoning changes. He demonstrates fiscal caution by opposing major budget increases and some tax measures, while supporting most routine financial items. On transit, he generally aligns with the majority but has shown notable skepticism towards specific rapid transit expansion plans. His approach is characterized by a preference for incremental, project-specific solutions over broad systemic changes.
Kandavel supports many housing measures, including specific development approvals, rental programs, and 'missing middle' incentives. However, he consistently dissents on key expansive policies such as the Federal Housing Accelerator Fund, as-of-right zoning, multiplex monitoring, and low-rise sixplex permissions, indicating a cautious approach to city-wide zoning changes and density expansions. Recent votes confirm this pattern, with support for individual zoning approvals but opposition to studies enabling broader density.
His transit voting record is mixed. He supported transit initiatives like the Finch West LRT extension and traffic management for FIFA, but his notable opposition to the RapidTO: Surface Transit Network Plan remains a key deviation, indicating skepticism towards certain rapid transit expansions. He otherwise aligns with majority transit votes, with no new consistent pattern of dissent beyond this specific plan.
Kandavel demonstrates fiscal conservatism by voting against the 2025 operating and capital budget and initial versions of tax increases, such as luxury-home taxes. However, he supports other budgetary items, tax measures when revised, and routine fiscal reports, showing a selective approach to fiscal policy aligned with majority positions on most items. Recent votes show support for union agreements and opposition to new spending on maximum temperature requirements, reinforcing this trend.
Notable Votes & Deviations
Federal Housing Accelerator Fund motion
Key dissent on a major federal housing funding initiative, highlighting opposition to broad, city-wide housing expansion policies.
2025 Operating and Capital Budget
Demonstrates strong fiscal conservatism by opposing the core city budget, placing him in a significant minority.
RapidTO: Surface Transit Network Plan motions
Consistent opposition to a rapid transit plan, indicating skepticism towards specific transit expansions or planning approaches.
Ward 23 Multiplex Study
Opposition to a housing density study, reflecting caution on multiplex expansions and local zoning changes.
Alcohol in Parks Pilot
Dissent on a social policy initiative, possibly indicating conservative social views or concerns about public space management.
Reimagining Weston Lions Arena through a Nominal Lease with MLSE LaunchPad
Opposition to a community facility lease agreement, reflecting fiscal caution or skepticism towards partnership terms.
Community Within Reach: Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study - Phase Three Final Report
Supported a housing study that failed, indicating a pro-housing stance on research despite council opposition, aligning with pragmatic support for housing measures.
Protecting Playgrounds and Parks: Ensuring Safety for Children and Families
Backed a safety motion that did not pass, suggesting alignment with conservative social policies or public safety concerns.
Towards Implementing a Maximum Indoor Temperature Requirement for Rental Units and Cooling Rooms
Voted against a new regulatory requirement, reflecting fiscal or regulatory caution, though this aligned with the majority against the motion.
Strengthening the City's Heat Relief Strategy
Opposed expanding heat relief measures, consistent with a fiscally conservative approach to new city programs.