Mayor John Tory strongly favours a by-election to replace Rob Ford as councillor for Ward 2, Etobicoke North, rather than council appointing a replacement.

“I think that’s the appropriate way to fill this seat, given that we’re less than halfway through this term of city council,” Tory told reporters Thursday.

Ford died March 22, 18 months after being diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.

At its meeting that starts next Tuesday, city council will vote on how to fill the vacancy.

Ford represented Ward 2 from 2000 to 2010. He was mayor from 2010 to 2014, then re-elected in Ward 2.

Ford’s nephew, Michael Ford, a Toronto District School Board trustee, told the Star that either he or his uncle Doug Ford, who served as Ward 2 councillor while his brother was mayor, will seek to represent the ward until the October 2018 election, whether it is filled by appointment or by-election.

“Our intentions will be known within the next couple of weeks,” Michael Ford said in a text.

City staff suggest in a report to council that a by-election could be held Monday, July 25.

Tory said he would like to see the vote held as soon as possible and, if possible, co-ordinated with by-elections to replace two school trustees if that would save the city money.

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