
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.
Paul is the Chair of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Board of Directors, leading 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 First Vice-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.
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