James Dann · Ward 19 · Beaches–East York
For 25 years, James ran the city systems this ward depends on — the beaches, the Islands, the ferries, the flood defences. Three generations in this ward, home just off Danforth and Woodbine — he sees the solutions others can't, because he's the one who's delivered them.
Endorsements
endorsements and counting ·
I've spent my career at the City of Toronto managing parks, waterfront, and public infrastructure — including right here in the Beaches and East York. I know how decisions get made at City Hall, what makes good projects succeed, and why some never get off the ground.
Ward 19 is facing real questions about development, transit, and the future of our public spaces. I want to bring what I've learned to the table as your councillor — not to make promises, but to get things done.
Some of the projects I've led or helped deliver:
The plan for Ward 19
Keep the east end moving.
A 501 that actually shows up. Danforth GO you can get to. A real answer on the Gardiner — from someone who knows the agencies, the budgets, and where projects stall.
The recordDelivered Toronto's first new ferry fleet in 60 years — two electric vessels on the city's oldest transit route.
Growth with infrastructure — not instead of it.
We don't oppose new homes. We oppose thousands of new homes with no new school, no transit, and no plan. Infrastructure first is how growth actually works.
The recordRan parks operations for the $1.25-billion Port Lands flood protection project — the infrastructure that unlocked a whole new neighbourhood.
Clean, safe, and maintained — in every corner of the ward.
Working washrooms, programmed parks, and public spaces that get the same care north of the Danforth as they do on the boardwalk.
The recordRestored the Leuty Lifeguard Station, the Kew Gardens bandshell, and the boardwalk — and brought Blue Flag status to our beaches.
Ready for the storms that are coming.
Flooded basements on Kenilworth aren't bad luck — they're a city that didn't plan. We'll bring the same flood-readiness to Ward 19 streets that James brought to the waterfront.
The recordDirected the 2017 and 2019 high-water crisis responses — cutting flood risk on the Islands by 75%.
"I'll answer the phone." I can't promise you'll always get the answer you want. But you'll be acknowledged, you'll be heard, and you'll get a response. Every time.
— James Dann
Reach James directly
Text any time — tell us what's on your mind, or text FAN to join the crew. A real person reads every message.
Prefer email? hello@jamesdann.ca
See it for yourself
Get to know James — local roots run deep
Let's get real about the Gardiner
Danforth & Dawes — the City has to do better
More every week → @james.dann.toronto
Meet James
James's grandfather lived on Cassels Avenue and his parents have been in the Beach for over 50 years. Today James lives just off Danforth and Woodbine — 25 years in his home, three kids raised in this ward, and a daughter who makes four generations in Beaches–East York.
He didn't set out to run for council. But the decisions facing this ward right now are too big to hand to someone still learning the building. After a career spent making this place work, running was the next way to keep taking care of it.
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