Eglinton—Lawrence

Eglinton—Lawrence is a midtown Toronto riding stretching from the neighbourhoods around Allen Road and Bathurst Street through to Dufferin Street, encompassing established residential areas such as Lawrence Park, Lytton Park, and parts of Lawrence Heights. The riding had been a Liberal stronghold for decades under Mike Colle, who held the seat from 1995 to 2018, before Robin Martin of the Progressive Conservatives defeated him in the 2018 provincial election. Martin entered the 2022 race as the incumbent, seeking to hold a seat that the Liberals were determined to reclaim.

Candidates

Robin Martin (Progressive Conservative) — Martin earned a bachelor’s degree from McGill University and a law degree from the University of Toronto. She practiced litigation for over a decade at firms including Osler and Lenczner, specializing in commercial and environmental litigation as well as medical malpractice. She also worked as a policy advisor for the Ontario Ministry of Health and later as a public policy consultant with expertise in energy policy.

Arlena Hebert (Liberal) — Hebert is a commercial real estate professional with over 25 years of experience in portfolio management, leasing, and capital planning. She served as a long-time board member and president of the Lytton Park Residents’ Organization and was a founding member of the Federation of North Toronto Residents Associations. She received the City of Toronto’s Volunteer Award of Distinction in 2010.

Natasha Doyle-Merrick (NDP) — Doyle-Merrick was born and raised in Lawrence Heights and had recently returned to the area after studying in Ireland, where she was involved in environmental advocacy.

Leah Tysoe (Green Party), Erwin E. Sniedzins (New Blue Party), Lauren Dearing (Ontario Party), Sam Kaplun (Independent), Derek Sharp (Pauper Party), Jonathan Davis (Benefit Party), and Bryant Thompson (None of the Above Direct Democracy Party) also contested the riding.

Local Issues

The dominant local issue during the 2018–2022 term was the prolonged construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, which runs directly through the riding. Originally expected to open in 2020, the project suffered repeated delays, with Metrolinx announcing in 2020 that it would not be ready until “well into 2022.” Businesses along Eglinton Avenue endured years of disruption, with many small enterprises closing and employers struggling to retain staff. Black-owned businesses along the corridor were reported to be particularly hard hit. Municipal councillors described the situation as a “construction hell” that had eroded community trust, and called for financial compensation for affected businesses.

Residential development and neighbourhood intensification also generated debate. Parts of the riding near transit hubs saw proposals for higher-density housing, which residents in traditionally lower-density neighbourhoods viewed with concern. Community organizations advocated for careful planning that would balance growth with neighbourhood character.

Healthcare access was another concern, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic placed strain on hospitals and long-term care facilities serving the riding. The Lawrence Heights revitalization, one of the largest public housing redevelopment projects in Toronto, continued through this period, raising questions about affordable housing and the displacement of long-time residents.