Paula Fletcher

Paula Fletcher
Fletcher in 2014
Deputy Speaker of Toronto City Council
Incumbent
Assumed office
August 10, 2023
Preceded byStephen Holyday
Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee
Incumbent
Assumed office
May 21, 2025
Preceded byJennifer McKelvie
Toronto City Councillor
for Ward 14 Toronto—Danforth
Incumbent
Assumed office
December 1, 2018
Preceded byWard created
Toronto City Councillor
for Ward 30 Toronto—Danforth
(Broadview-Greenwood; 2003 to 2006)
In office
December 1, 2003 – December 1, 2018
Preceded byJack Layton
Succeeded byWard dissolved
Toronto District School Board Trustee
for Ward 15 Broadview-Greenwood
In office
December 1, 2000 – December 1, 2003
Succeeded byRick Telfer
Leader of the Communist Party of Manitoba
In office
1981–1986
Preceded byWilliam Cecil Ross
Succeeded byLorne Robson
Personal details
Born1951 (age 74–75)
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
PartyIndependent
Other political
affiliations
Communist (Manitoba)
SpouseJohn Cartwright
Children2
Occupation

Paula Fletcher (born 1951) is a Canadian politician who has served on Toronto City Council since 2003. She represents Ward 14 Toronto—Danforth and has served as deputy speaker of city council since 2023 and chair of its Infrastructure and Environment Committee since 2025.[1]

Fletcher announced on August 19, 2026, that she would retire from politics at the end of the 2022–2026 council term and would not seek re-election in the 2026 Toronto municipal election.[2]

Early life and family

Fletcher was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and moved to Toronto, then to Winnipeg, Manitoba, before again relocating to Toronto.

She lives in Toronto with her husband John Cartwright and their two children.[3] Her husband is a former president of the Toronto & York Region Labour Council. A carpenter by trade, Cartwright was formerly the business manager of the Construction Trades Council and co-chair of the Metro Jobstart Coalition.

Early career

In Winnipeg, Fletcher worked as an educator in international development and became a community activist. She was a union organizer in a Toronto garment mill in the early 1970s.[4] She later worked at the Downsview De Havilland Canada plant, where she went by the nickname "Rosie the Riveter".[4] At De Havilland, she was involved in the women's committee of Canadian Auto Workers Local 112. In the 1990s, Fletcher worked at Toronto City Hall as executive assistant to city councillor Dan Leckie.[4]

Politics

In 1980, Fletcher ran for the Winnipeg School Board for Ward 2, in the city's north end. In 1981, she was elected leader of the Communist Party of Canada (Manitoba) and served as leader for five years.[5] She ran in the 1981 and 1986 provincial elections in the Winnipeg riding of Burrows, receiving 144 and 131 votes respectively. In the early 1980s, she sang with a group called Rank and File.[3] In 1986, Fletcher left the Communist Party and moved back to Toronto.

Toronto District School Board trustee

In 2000, Fletcher was elected as a trustee for Ward 15 on the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). During her time on the board, she opposed service cuts by the Mike Harris and Ernie Eves Progressive Conservative governments and helped prevent two school closures in her area. One was Bruce Junior Public School, which was retained after a centre for childhood learning and development was established there.[3]

Toronto City Council

Election and early tenure

When Jack Layton resigned from council to run for the leadership of the New Democratic Party (NDP), Fletcher ran to replace him and received the endorsement of Layton and NDP MPP Marilyn Churley.[6]

In the 2003 municipal election, eight candidates competed in Ward 30. Prominent candidates included Chris Phibbs, a former executive assistant to councillor Kyle Rae, and Maureen Gilroy, who had the backing of Liberal MP Dennis Mills. A key issue was the proposed fixed link to the Toronto Island Airport, which Fletcher opposed.[6] Fletcher won with 39.5 per cent of the vote.[7]

As a councillor, Fletcher rallied city council to oppose the Portlands Energy Centre, a 550-megawatt power plant in the Port Lands beside the Hearn Generating Station. The campaign was unsuccessful and the plant was completed in 2007. Developments in Ward 30 that Fletcher supported included Filmport, now Pinewood Toronto Studios, and the Zhong Hua Men Archway.

Second term

Fletcher was re-elected in the 2006 municipal election with 60.2 per cent of the vote.[8]

During her second term, Fletcher chaired the Parks and Environment Committee and served on mayor David Miller's Executive Committee. She also served on the boards of Toronto Public Health and the Toronto Community Housing Corporation.

Leslieville SmartCentres development

In 2009, Fletcher opposed an application by SmartCentres to build a 65,000 m2 (700,000 sq ft) retail development on land occupied by Toronto Film Studios in the city's Studio District. The project required rezoning industrial land for retail use. City council rejected the proposal and the Ontario Municipal Board upheld the decision in March 2009.[9]

2010 budget outburst

On March 2, 2010, Fletcher had a heated exchange with a member of the public during deputations on Toronto's budget. After the speaker told Fletcher that she should be fired, she responded, "Oh, come and run against me. Come on down, baby!"[10] Fletcher subsequently apologized for her comments.[11]

Cycling

Fletcher has advocated for expanded cycling infrastructure in Toronto. In May 2010, however, she mistakenly voted against a proposal for bicycle lanes on University Avenue. The proposal failed on a 15–13 vote. Fletcher said afterward that she had intended to vote in favour and attributed the error to fatigue and the electronic voting system.[12]

Third and fourth terms

In the 2010 municipal election, Fletcher narrowly defeated former Citytv reporter Liz West by 259 votes. West had received the support of mayoral candidate Rob Ford.[13]

Fletcher was re-elected in the 2014 municipal election, defeating West and four other candidates with 49.63 per cent of the vote.[14]

Fifth term

For the 2018 Toronto municipal election, the Ontario government's reduction of Toronto City Council from 47 proposed wards to 25 combined Fletcher's Ward 30 with much of neighbouring Ward 29. Fletcher consequently ran against Ward 29 incumbent Mary Fragedakis in the newly created Ward 14 Toronto—Danforth. Fletcher won with 42.27 per cent of the vote, compared with 26.18 per cent for Fragedakis.[15]

During the term, Fletcher became closely involved in the redesign of Danforth Avenue. In May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, city council approved temporary ActiveTO cycle tracks on Danforth Avenue from Broadview Avenue to Dawes Road. Fletcher successfully moved amendments directing staff to incorporate patios, seating areas and other economic-vitality measures into the project.[16] The Danforth cycle tracks were subsequently incorporated into the permanent cycling network in December 2021.[17]

Fletcher was elected vice-chair of the city's Planning and Housing Committee in January 2021 for the remainder of the 2018–2022 council term.[18]

She also served on the board of the Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation, the municipal corporation established to manage housing for senior tenants.[19]

Sixth term

Fletcher was re-elected in the 2022 Toronto municipal election with 20,305 votes, or 74.02 per cent of ballots cast.[20]

In February 2023, Fletcher moved to establish a subcommittee of the Toronto and East York Community Council to examine construction of the Ontario Line and its effects on communities along the route.[21] The subcommittee subsequently developed recommendations concerning construction management, traffic, pedestrian safety, noise, community benefits and communication with communities affected by the project.[22] Fletcher continued to raise Ontario Line construction issues in later council and community council proceedings.[23]

In September 2023, council adopted a Fletcher motion directing staff to establish a Ward 14 affordable-housing pilot for active development applications, including the East Harbour and Gerrard-Carlaw North transit-oriented communities. The pilot called for affordable-housing targets at least equal to those required by the city's inclusionary-zoning policy.[24]

On August 10, 2023, city council elected Fletcher deputy speaker for the remainder of the 2022–2026 council term following the resignation of Stephen Holyday from the position.[25] In the role, Fletcher presides over meetings of council when the speaker is absent.

Mayor Olivia Chow also appointed Fletcher as the mayor's designate on several city bodies, including CreateTO and the TO Live board.[26]

On May 21, 2025, Chow appointed Fletcher chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, effective immediately and continuing through November 14, 2026.[27]

On August 19, 2026, Fletcher announced that she would not seek re-election in the 2026 Toronto municipal election, ending plans she had previously made to run again. Her retirement at the conclusion of the term would end 23 years on Toronto City Council.[2]

Electoral history

2022 municipal election, Ward 14 Toronto—Danforth[28]
Candidate Votes Vote share
Paula Fletcher 20,305 74.02%
Wali Abro 1,982 7.22%
James Dyson 1,937 7.06%
Denise Walcott 1,740 6.34%
John De Marco 1,469 5.35%
Total 27,433 100%
2018 Toronto municipal election, Ward 14 Toronto—Danforth
Candidate Votes Vote share
Paula Fletcher 16,468 42.27%
Mary Fragedakis 10,201 26.18%
Chris Budo 7,394 18.98%
Lanrick Bennett 1,935 4.97%
Dixon Chan 1,100 2.82%
Chris Marinakis 700 1.80%
Marisol D'Andrea 429 1.10%
Ryan Lindsay 413 1.06%
Lawrence Lychowyd 188 0.48%
Alexander Pena 131 0.34%
Source: City of Toronto[29]
2014 Toronto municipal election, Ward 30 Toronto—Danforth[30]
Candidate Votes %
Paula Fletcher11,92449.63%
Liz West6,64427.65%
Jane Farrow4,81520.04%
Mark Borden3021.26%
Francis Russell2060.86%
Daniel Trayes1340.56%
Total24,025100%
2010 Toronto municipal election, Ward 30 Toronto—Danforth[30]
Candidate Votes %
Paula Fletcher8,76645.35%
Liz West8,50744.01%
Andrew James6203.20%
Mark Dewdney5182.68%
Mihaly Varga3131.62%
Angie Tingas2621.36%
Andreas Bogojevic1981.02%
Gary Walsh1430.74%
Total19,327100%
2006 Toronto municipal election, Ward 30 Toronto—Danforth
Candidate Votes %
Paula Fletcher7,93660.2
Suzanne McCormick3,47026.3
Edward Chin9377.1
Michael Zubiak5224.0
Patrick Kraemer2201.7
Daniel Nicastro960.7
Total 13,181 100%
2003 Toronto municipal election, Ward 30 Broadview—Greenwood
Candidate Votes %
Paula Fletcher6,46039.5
Chris Phibbs4,27126.1
Maureen Gilroy3,16119.3
Suzanne McCormick8325.1
Bruce Brackett7224.4
Greg Bonser5103.1
Sean Lough2371.4
Jim Brookman1791.1
Total 16,372 100%
1986 Manitoba general election: Burrows
Party Candidate Votes%±%
New DemocraticConrad Santos3,54753.04-9.95
IndependentWilliam Chornopyski1,43721.49
Progressive ConservativeNick Trusewych95014.20-3.63
LiberalRory MacLeod5878.78+0.83
CommunistPaula Fletcher1311.96+0.11
IndependentTed DuRussel360.54
Total valid votes 6,688
1981 Manitoba general election: Burrows
Party Candidate Votes%±%
New DemocraticConrad Santos4,89062.99
Progressive ConservativeMary Shore1,38417.83
ProgressiveBen Hanuschak7289.38
LiberalWayne Anderson6177.95
CommunistPaula Fletcher1441.85
Total valid votes 7,763

References

  1. ↑ "Councillor Paula Fletcher". City of Toronto. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  2. 1 2 Rider, David (August 19, 2026). "Toronto councillor Paula Fletcher is retiring from city hall, scrapping her plans for re-election". Toronto Star. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 Porter, Catherine (November 21, 2003). "Not the straight and narrow; Rookie on council has worn many hats Layton's successor shares his politics". Toronto Star. p. B02.
  4. 1 2 3 "Labour Action" (PDF). Toronto and York Region Labour Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 29, 2011. Retrieved July 29, 2010.
  5. ↑ "Communist for Councillor". Canada Free Press. June 23, 2003. Retrieved September 24, 2016.
  6. 1 2 "Ward 30: Broadview-Greenwood". Xtra!. Archived from the original on April 30, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2010.
  7. ↑ "2003 election results: councillors" (PDF). City of Toronto. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 25, 2013. Retrieved March 1, 2015.
  8. ↑ "2006 election results: councillors" (PDF). City of Toronto. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 9, 2012. Retrieved April 6, 2012.
  9. ↑ Nickle, David (March 5, 2009). "Community jubilant OMB turns down SmartCentres' plans". Inside Toronto. Archived from the original on March 14, 2012.
  10. ↑ "City budget meeting turns into screaming match". Toronto Star. March 3, 2010.
  11. ↑ "Councillor Paula Fletcher apologizes for budget outburst". National Post. Archived from the original on July 26, 2010. Retrieved July 28, 2010.
  12. ↑ Rider, David (May 13, 2010). "Fletcher blames fatigue, computer system for mis-vote". Toronto Star. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  13. ↑ "A look at the election's hottest races". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved September 24, 2016.
  14. ↑ "Fletcher beats West, Farrow in race for Ward 30 Toronto-Danforth". Global News. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  15. ↑ "Toronto election 2018: Ward 14 Toronto–Danforth". Global News. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  16. ↑ "ActiveTO – Road Closures, Quiet Streets and Cycling Network Expansion". City of Toronto. May 28, 2020. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  17. ↑ "Cycling Network Plan – 2021 Cycling Infrastructure Installation – Fourth Quarter Update and the Future of the 2020 ActiveTO Cycling Network Projects". City of Toronto. December 17, 2021. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  18. ↑ "Election of Vice Chair – Planning and Housing Committee". City of Toronto. January 19, 2021. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  19. ↑ "Paula Fletcher – Member profile". City of Toronto. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  20. ↑ "Declaration of Results – 2022 Municipal Election" (PDF). City of Toronto. October 2022. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  21. ↑ "Striking a Sub-committee on Metrolinx's Ontario Line Construction". City of Toronto. February 23, 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  22. ↑ "City of Toronto Recommendations for Metrolinx's Ontario Line Construction within the Toronto and East York District". City of Toronto. July 10, 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  23. ↑ "Ontario Line – Construction Update – Second Quarter 2025". City of Toronto. July 8, 2025. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  24. ↑ "Generational Transformation of Toronto's Housing System to Urgently Build More Affordable Homes". City of Toronto. September 6, 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  25. ↑ "Election of Deputy Speaker". City of Toronto. August 10, 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  26. ↑ "Council Member Appointments to Committees and Boards". City of Toronto. August 10, 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  27. ↑ "Mayoral Decision 7-2025 – To appoint the chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee" (PDF). City of Toronto. May 21, 2025. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  28. ↑ "Declaration of Results – 2022 Municipal Election" (PDF). City of Toronto. October 2022. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  29. ↑ "Declaration of Results – 2018 Municipal Election" (PDF). Toronto City Clerk's Office. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 25, 2018. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  30. 1 2 "City of Toronto election results". City of Toronto. Archived from the original on October 28, 2014. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
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