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Paul Ainslie is an experienced and dedicated member of Toronto City Council, first elected in 2006. With more than 30 years of public service at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels, he brings a broad and informed perspective to City Hall.
In May 2025, Paul was appointed Deputy Mayor for Scarborough, where he serves as a strong and committed voice for Scarborough residents. In this role, he works to ensure that Scarborough’s unique needs are prioritized within the City of Toronto’s leadership while supporting the Mayor in the strategic governance of the city. He also represents the Mayor of Toronto at several major intergovernmental tables, including Ontario Big City Mayors, Mayors and Regional Councillors of Ontario, and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative. As Chair of the General Government Committee, Paul leads important initiatives to strengthen municipal governance, transparency, and operational efficiency. He also serves as the City of Toronto’s Night Economy Champion, working to build a harmonious, vibrant, and sustainable night economy that respects residents while supporting local culture and business. As Chair of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Board of Directors, Paul lead efforts to conserve, restore, and manage natural resources across the region. Paul also serves as Chair of the Toronto Zoo Board of Management, where he champions wildlife conservation, education, species protection, and sustainability initiatives—ensuring the Zoo remains a world‑class centre dedicated to biodiversity while offering an engaging and inclusive experience for all visitors. As President of the Good Roads Board of Directors, Paul advocates for safe, efficient, and modern municipal infrastructure, supporting improvements across Ontario’s road and transportation networks. He serves as Toronto’s delegate to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, advancing binational freshwater protection, and to the Ontario Big City Mayors board, contributing to collaborative advocacy on housing, infrastructure, and social policy. Paul’s leadership extends across numerous boards and committees. As Chair of the Toronto Public Library Board, he introduced innovative digital engagement tools that modernized public interaction with library services. At the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries, he continues to support accessible and community‑focused library systems across the province. On the Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation Board, Paul supported efforts to implement seniors‑focused housing aligned with the Tenants First recommendations, helping ensure older residents can age in place with dignity. On the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board of Directors, Paul contributes to national initiatives related to cybersecurity, digital equity, homelessness, and other challenges facing municipalities across Canada. Paul envisions a city where residents can engage with an open, transparent, and accountable local government—building public trust and strengthening civic participation. He remains committed to serving residents through his community work and his responsibilities at City Hall. Awards, Certificates and Honours
2026: Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative – Impact Award Recognizes municipal leaders and officials for their outstanding advocacy, policy work, and dedicated environmental stewardship in protecting the Great Lakes basin. 2026: Sociable City Academy's - Responsible Hospitality Institute Certificate of Completion The Sociable City Academy Certificate is a professional credential awarded by the Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI). It is designed for nighttime managers, public safety teams, and urban planners to learn strategies for managing safe and inclusive daytime and nighttime social districts 2024: Ontario Public Library Association James Bain Medallion - Public Library Board Member of the Year The James Bain Medallion is awarded to a library board member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in governing a public library in Ontario 2023: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority – Service Recognition Award 15 years of service, serving on the Board and Chair from 2023 – 2026 The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Service Recognition Awards are an annual event held to honor employees and board members for their long-term dedication, professional milestones, and civic service in protecting and restoring the region's natural spaces 2023: Jain Society's Outstanding Community Service Award The Jain Society of Toronto (JSOT), located in Scarborough, is the primary local center for the Jain community. Through their affiliated charity, Jain Community Services of Canada (JCS), they provide comprehensive, outstanding community services to newcomers and residents. Haliburton Club Breakfast, Haliburton Club Chair 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019 Funding camp equipment and registrations to ensure no youth is denied a camp experience due to financial constraints. 2015: Scouts Canada – Medal for Good Service The Scouts Canada Medal for Good Service is a prestigious national award presented to adult volunteers (Scouters) and staff who have demonstrated significant contributions to their section, local group, or the wider Scouting community. 2013: Royal Canadian Navy's Certificate of Appreciation (Bravo Zulu) Recognition of outstanding services. A "Bravo Zulu" (BZ) is a naval signal meaning "well done" 2013: City of Toronto / Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough – Recognition Certificate Contribution to the building expansion 2008: Scouts Canada Appreciation Plaque 2008: Bottle Drive For the 2022–2026 City Council term, Paul has been appointed to the following committees and boards:
Association of Municipalities of Ontario Board of Directors Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo, Chair Canadian National Exhibition Association Board of Directors and Municipal Section Committee of Revision City of Toronto Executive Committee CML Village BIA, Board of Directors Exhibition Place Board of Governors Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Board of Directors Federation of Ontario Public Libraries Board of Directors, Past Chair FIFA World Cup 2026 Subcommittee Film, Television and Digital Media Advisory Board, Mayor’s designated Night Economy Champion General Government Committee, Chair Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Board of Directors Guild Park and Gardens Resource Group Good Roads Association, President Hockey Hall of Fame Board of Directors Night Economy Champion Ontario’s Big City Mayors Board Scarborough Community Council, Chair Service Excellence Committee, Vice Chair Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Board of Directors, Vice Chair Toronto City Council Toronto Music Advisory Committee Toronto Public Library Board of Directors, as the Mayor’s designate Toronto Transit Commission Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (2SLGBTQ+) Advisory Committee |
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