Toronto councillor says he’s being probed by provincial cops

First-term Scarborough Southwest councillor says in social media post he was ‘surprised’ to learn about OPP investigation

Published May 10, 2026 • 1 minute read

Parthi Kandavel listens during a meeting at the Toronto District School Board head office in North York, Ont., during his time as a trustee on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015. Photo by Jack Boland

Parthi Kandavel, the city councillor for Scarborough Southwest, said he is facing an investigation by provincial police.

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The first-term councillor, who replaced Gary Crawford as the ward’s representative in 2023, said in a post on social media Sunday evening that he was “surprised” to learn on Friday that the OPP had opened an investigation on him and that he hopes to “resolve the situation quickly.

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“I’ve worked hard to earn the trust of the people of Scarborough Southwest, which I take seriously,” Kandavel’s post said. “I’ve strived to maintain the highest standards of ethics and integrity and will address any allegations that suggest otherwise.

“I’m still learning more about the investigation and the nature of the allegations and will share more as I can.”

A property at 708-712 Kennedy Rd. in the Scarborough Junction neighbourhood that lies within Parthi Kandavel’s ward. Photo by Google Maps

Toronto cops forwarded allegations?

An email seeking a comment from the OPP was not immediately returned.

Provincial police, however, confirmed to the Toronto Star that a probe was underway after allegations against Kandavel were referred to them from Toronto Police.

“The investigation is ongoing and we are unable to provide further comment at this time,” spokesperson Tracey Mellersh told the Star.

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Probe reportedly linked to high-rise project

The Star’s article, citing information from a source with knowledge of the OPP investigation, said the force was trying to gather information on a high-rise development on Kennedy Rd. in Scarborough.

The property, reportedly 708-712 Kennedy Rd. in the Scarborough Junction neighbourhood, lies within Kandavel’s ward.

The Star also reported that council passed a motion introduced by Kandavel in June 2025 that directed the city to accept a settlement offer from the owners of the site so that the project could proceed – despite concerns from city staff.

Kandavel, a former teacher and Toronto District School Board trustee, beat out Kevin Rupasinghe for a spot on council in a November 2023 byelection.