Curran Stikuts is one of 11 candidates running for city council in Toronto Centre (Ward 13) in Toronto’s upcoming municipal election.
A political newcomer, Stikuts wants to bring back “fun” in Toronto. He says that means investing in affordable and supportive housing and amping up nightlife programming, including a proposal to establish a new nightlife office. He was also the organizer behind the ‘Save Our Raves’ campaign, which opposed proposed restrictions on non-profit organizations seeking temporary liquor licenses for warehouse raves, park parties and other DIY events. The motion, introduced by the ward’s incumbent Chris Moise, was withdrawn following community backlash.
Stikuts is known for his previous work at The 519, the 2SLGTBTQ+ community centre and social service organization in the Church Wellesley Village, most recently as the site’s advocacy director. This is where he worked closely with Toronto Centre’s former city councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, who recently endorsed Stikuts.
Moise, who is vying for a second term, made a clean sweep last election with 10,452 votes, earning nearly half the vote. Toronto Centre has added 17,512 new voters since the 2023 mayoral by-election, according to national public opinion research firm Liaison Strategies’ latest voter count. While every ward has more electors, looking at the neighbouring Spadina Fort-York voters’ list, the two downtown wards account for more than 20 per cent of the city’s net increase.
Election day is Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This piece was produced by Mia Johnson.