politics
Councillor Justin Di Ciano Faces Integrity Complaint Over Developer Ties: Report
The councillor denies any wrongdoing.
A 2014 campaign photo of Justin Di Ciano.
Toronto’s integrity commissioner is investigating a complaint about Justin Di Ciano (Ward 5, Etobicoke-Lakeshore) regarding his relationship with the developer Dunpar, reports the CBC.
The complaint makes several allegations against the first-term councillor, including that he purchased a townhouse from Dunpar for below-market value, and that the developer has supported him “financially and politically.” None of these allegations have been proven, and Di Ciano has stated that he does not believe he violated Council’s Code of Conduct, or the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
The CBC story also reports that Di Ciano brought a libel lawsuit against Dean French, a local businessman who opposed a Dunpar development in the Kingsway. The lawsuit was dropped in June.
Di Ciano has also been a vocal supporter of re-zoning the Mimico-Judson lands, a controversial move that would support a Dunpar development in south Etobicoke. The motion to support staff recommendations over Di Ciano’s proposed zoning change failed 17–19 at council. Di Ciano argued that the zoning is in keeping with the planning principles for the area. In an uncommon step, Metrolinx appealed the council decision to the Ontario Municipal Board, as the development could affect expansion plans for the adjacent Willowbrook Railyards.