Toronto councillor asked for ‘considerable amount’ of money to move developments forward: source allegations

Developers of two Scarborough properties raised concerns about a Toronto councillor asking them to pay a “considerable amount” of money to get their proposals through city processes, sources tell CTV News Toronto.

And one source said that was what the OPP was asking about in interviews that were part of the provincial police force’s investigation into that councillor, Parthi Kandavel.

The OPP confirmed that it was investigating in a statement, but released few details about the reason for the probe.

“The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) can confirm an active investigation related to allegations against Councillor Kandavel. The investigation is ongoing and we are unable to provide further comment or details at this time,” spokesperson Tracey Mellersh said.

Kandavel, a former teacher and school trustee who has been the Scarborough Southwest councillor since 2023, said on Sunday he was “surprised” to hear that the OPP was investigating allegations against him.

“I recognize this is difficult news and hope to resolve the situation quickly,” he said in a post on social media.

Scarborough Southwest Coun. Parthi Kandavel Scarborough Southwest Coun. Parthi Kandavel speaks during an Aug. 7 news conference at Toronto City Hall.

Probe pertains to 2 properties: sources

In the case of one property on Kennedy Road, one city hall source said developers had come forward with concerns about being asked to pay money to move that project forward, though it was not clear how much.

In that case, two four-story brick buildings are slated to be replaced by a 21-storey tower and a 42-storey tower with 682 units in total, a short distance from transit at Kennedy Subway Station.

Initially in 2024, city staff didn’t approve of the development, saying they had concerns about the building’s size and that they “oppose the project in its current form.”

That sparked a dispute that went to the Ontario Land Tribunal, an appeal body that settles conflicts between developers and municipalities.

City records show that Kandavel introduced a motion to settle that dispute in June 2025, and the motion passed.

708-712 Kennedy Rd. development application A sign for a development application at 708-712 Kennedy Rd.

In another case at a separate Scarborough property, a developer’s agent told CTV News Toronto that he was approached by an OPP officer looking to understand an alleged arrangement where the developer claimed it was asked to pay a “considerable amount” of money to have the development move forward.

Developers are often asked to pay a community benefits charge under section 37 of the Planning Act. The source said this alleged arrangement went beyond this.

Toronto mayor not commenting

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said in a statement that she “will not comment on an active investigation.”

“The residents of Toronto expect every councillor and the mayor to act with integrity,” she said.

The property owners at the Kennedy Road land didn’t respond to messages from CTV News.

Kandavel hasn’t responded to CTV News Toronto’s questions on the specific properties.