Beaches—East York

Liberal MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon sought a second term in this urban Toronto riding after winning it from the NDP in 2022. McMahon had built a strong political brand through her prior tenure as a Toronto city councillor from 2010 to 2018, during which she led the development of the city's TransformTO climate plan and championed the laneway suites housing policy. At Queen's Park, she served as the Liberal critic for Environment and Climate Change and introduced legislation addressing natural disaster preparedness. The NDP, which had held the seat from 2018 to 2022 under Rima Berns-McGown, nominated Kate Dupuis to try to reclaim it, while the PCs ran Anna Michaelidis.

McMahon's campaign faced an unusual setback when a fire gutted her constituency office during the election period, but she pressed on and focused on completing the campaign.

Candidates

Mary-Margaret McMahon (Liberal) — A former two-term Toronto city councillor who first won the Beaches—East York seat in 2022, McMahon served as the Ontario Liberal critic for Environment and Climate Change during the 2022-2025 term. At City Hall, she had led the creation of TransformTO, Toronto's climate adaptation strategy, and the laneway suites planning policy that expanded the city's rental housing stock.

Kate Dupuis (NDP) — A clinical neuropsychologist and college professor at Sheridan College who specializes in the health of older adults and their caregivers. A thirteen-year resident of the riding, Dupuis co-founded EBCAT, a parent-led rapid testing program in local schools during the pandemic. She was running for elected office for the first time.

Anna Michaelidis (Progressive Conservative) — The CEO of Royal LePage Urban Realty, Michaelidis serves on the board of directors of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board and as chair of its Government Relations Committee. She received the David Rossi Committee Service Award in 2024 for her industry contributions.

Minor candidates included Jack Pennings (Green Party), Thomas Gregory (New Blue Party), Paul Stark (Ontario Party), Dragan Cimesa (Independent), and Bahman Yazdanfar (Canadian Constitution Party).

Local Issues

Housing affordability was at the centre of debate in Beaches—East York. The riding's housing stock consists largely of older single-family homes and low-rise apartments, and rising property values had made it increasingly difficult for renters and first-time buyers to remain in the neighbourhood. All three major candidates presented their parties' housing plans at local all-candidates meetings, with proposals ranging from the Liberals' elimination of the provincial land transfer tax for first-time buyers to the NDP's pledge to build 1.5 million homes over a decade. Homelessness was an increasingly visible concern, and candidates discussed how to expand supportive housing within the existing urban fabric.

Environmental policy carried particular weight in a waterfront riding with a strong community identity tied to its lakefront parks and the Boardwalk. McMahon's environmental record from both City Hall and Queen's Park resonated with voters concerned about climate resilience, shoreline protection, and green space preservation. The provincial government's handling of the Greenbelt controversy in 2023, and the broader debate over development priorities, also figured into local conversations about land use and environmental stewardship.

Health care and seniors' services were significant concerns in a riding with a substantial older population. Residents called for improved long-term care standards, more accessible mental health services, and solutions to the family physician shortage. Dupuis, with her professional background in neuropsychology and elder care, brought direct expertise to these discussions. Transit improvements, particularly better TTC service and cycling infrastructure along the Danforth and waterfront corridors, also featured in campaign debates as residents sought alternatives to car-dependent commuting.