Apparent conflict of intererest

Councilor Moise's relationships with real estate developers raise serious concerns about apparent conflicts of interest. Multiple media investigations, along with our research, indicate a close connection between Councilor Moise and two developers, Fitzrovia and Castlepoint Investments. Fitzrovia-affiliated individuals donated $18,000 (from 15 people), while Castlepoint Investments-affiliated donors contributed $13,000, as reported by the Toronto Sun.

These donations from individuals associated with Fitzrovia and Castlepoint Investments follow a similar pattern. Several people, who lack connections to Ward 13 and have minimal histories of municipal contributions, made similar contributions (at the maximum or near-maximum allowable amount) on the same date. While it is not our place to determine whether these coordinated contributions breach the letter of Ontario's election laws (which prohibit corporate donations to municipal campaigns), they clearly violate the spirit of these laws and create a strong appearance of conflict of interest.

Councilor Moise’s actions appear to demonstrate a preference for Fitzrovia at the expense of the local community, along with granting them preferential treatment compared to other developers and landlords in Ward 13.

Additionally, Councilor Moise has supported a member of the Romano family, the owners of Castlepoint Investments, in securing a seat on the Board of Directors for Moss Park Arena, despite opposition from public board members.

Fitzrovia is managing multiple development projects within Ward 13, valued in the billions. Councilor Moise’s apparent conflict of interest and his pattern of neglecting and antagonizing the community undermine public trust in the City Council’s ability to represent the citizens of Ward 13 on development matters.

The first necessary step to restoring this trust is to limit the unprecedented level of influence Councilor Moise exercises over developments in Ward 13 as both the Chair of the Toronto and East York Community Council (TEYCC)—which effectively serves as the final approval authority since City Council typically endorses TEYCC decisions—and the local councilor.

We have appealed to Mayor Chow and City Council members to consider whether it is appropriate for Councilor Moise to remain Chair of TEYCC, given his apparent conflicts of interest with developers. The appearance of impropriety undermines public trust in City Council as an institution. We have also asked the Mayor and councilors to establish an independent review of Fitzrovia’s development projects that receive TEYCC recommendations under Councilor Moise’s leadership. To date, we have not received a response from either the Mayor or any City Council members we have contacted.

Below, you will find further details of the relationships between Councilor Moise and the real estate developers who contributed to his campaign through a “friends and family” approach to circumvent Ontario’s ban on corporate donations.

1.  Toronto councillor received 11% of donations from donors tied to developer | CBC News 
2. Un conseiller municipal a reçu 11 % de ses dons par des personnes liées à un promoteur | Radio-Canada 
3. Toronto Councillor Chris Moise says donation scrutiny unfair | Toronto Sun 
4. Could a campaign donation benefit a developer? – The Bridge News 
5. Residents outraged by lack of consultation on Sherbourne Street development – The Bridge News 
6.  Council rags the puck on Moss Park Arena board issue | Toronto Sun 

 Fitzrovia’s CEO Adrian Rocca, along with his wife, parents, and seven senior Fitzrovia employees, each made the maximum contribution of $1,200, totaling $13,200, to Councilor Moise's 2022 campaign. Additionally, two friends and business associates of Mr. Rocca, along with their spouses, made maximum contributions totaling $4,800.

Our investigation reveals that, except for one individual, none of these contributors reside in Ward 13, nor do they have a history of making municipal-level political contributions in Toronto. The only apparent connection between these individuals and Councilor Moise is through Mr. Rocca and Fitzrovia.

These donations from Fitzrovia-affiliated individuals represent over 20% of Councilor Moise’s total 2022 campaign contributions. The evidence clearly suggests that Councilor Moise knowingly accepted these donations from individuals linked to Mr. Rocca and Fitzrovia. Councilor Moise’s repeated denials of awareness about these coordinated contributions insult the intelligence of his constituents and observers alike.

While Councilor Moise asserts his independence, Mr. Rocca openly acknowledged to CBC’s Sarah MacMillan that Councilor Moise is advancing Fitzrovia’s interests in City Council, stating, “I back municipal leaders who can bring real solutions to the table, build relationships, and collaborate effectively. Chris Moise is doing just that.”

Councilor Moise’s actions on numerous occasions reflect a noticeable bias in favor of Fitzrovia.

 Another significant share of coordinated donations to Councilor Moise’s 2022 campaign originates from individuals associated with Castlepoint Investments and the Romano family, which owns the firm. Toronto Sun journalist Justin Holmes reports that $13,000 was contributed by these donors. Our research identified nine people connected to the Romano family who each donated $1,000 on August 10, 2022.

Councilor Moise also facilitated the appointment of Jessica Polanski (née Romano) to the board of Moss Park Arena, though she has since resigned. Councilor Moise’s interactions with the public board members have been characterized by conflict, as extensively documented by media outlets.