The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have confirmed an active investigation into Toronto Councillor Parthi Kandavel, with sources linking the probe to complaints from developers about alleged demands for payments to facilitate project approvals in Scarborough. The investigation, reported by CTV News Toronto, centers on two properties in the area, where developers reportedly raised concerns about being asked for money to move their proposals through city council.
Background of the Investigation
On Monday afternoon, OPP spokesperson Tracey Mellersh confirmed to the Toronto Sun that the police force is actively investigating allegations against Kandavel. However, she declined to provide further details, stating, “The investigation is ongoing and we are unable to provide further comment or details at this time.” The councillor, who has represented Scarborough Southwest since 2023, expressed surprise at the investigation in a Sunday Instagram post, saying he hopes to resolve the situation quickly.
Developer Complaints and Property Details
According to a city hall source speaking to CTV News, developers involved with a property on Kennedy Road alleged they were asked to pay money to advance their project. This property, located in the Scarborough Junction neighborhood, currently features two four-storey brick buildings slated for redevelopment into a 21-storey tower and a 42-storey tower, totaling 682 units near Kennedy Station. The source noted that developers are often required to pay community benefits charges to improve local infrastructure, but it remains unclear whether the allegations in this case fall within that framework.
In 2024, city staff rejected the development proposal due to concerns about its size, leading to a dispute that went to the Ontario Land Tribunal. City records indicate that Kandavel supported a motion to settle the dispute in June 2025, which ultimately passed.
A second case involves another Scarborough property, where a developer's agent, who requested anonymity, told CTV News they were approached by an OPP officer regarding an alleged potential arrangement. The agent claimed the developer was asked to pay a “considerable” amount of money to move the project forward, which they believed was not part of the legitimate community benefits process.
Kandavel's Response
Kandavel, in his Instagram post on Sunday, acknowledged the investigation and stated, “I recognize this is difficult news and hope to resolve the situation quickly.” He did not immediately respond to a query from the Toronto Sun regarding the specific allegations reported by CTV News.
The OPP has not released any further information, and the investigation remains active. The Toronto Sun will continue to follow this developing story.
