Long-time city councillor Ron Moeser has passed from complications from lymphoma.

The former electrician served in municipal politics for 27 years, first as councillor in the former city of Scarborough and since amalgamation in 1988 represented Ward 44 Scarborough East.

In a statement, Mayor John Tory says Moeser, ”believed in representing and respecting the needs of his community and those of the entire city … Ron fought for the creation and protection of public space and the natural environment, and was instrumental in the creation of Rouge Park, Canada’s largest urban park.”

City Council can choose to appoint an interim councillor until the October 2018 election or hold a byelction.

Council normally chooses the appointment route when there’s less than two years until an election.