The Ontario Court of Appeals has sided with the Conservative government over its plan to reduce the size of Toronto City Council.
The initial ruling struck down Bill Five, but the Doug Ford government sought a stay of the lower court's ruling.
Municipal staff can immediately focus their efforts on planning for an election using 25 wards and abandon the 47 ward model that was revived by the lower court's decision.
The province had argued the stay was necessary to eliminate uncertainty surrounding the October 22nd vote and allow the city to move forward with its preparations.
An Ontario judge last week found that the province's Bill Five, which reduced Toronto city council violated freedom of expression rights for candidates and voters.
The move was opposed by many in the city including a protest at the International Plowing Match in Pain Court yesterda.
Toronto protesters unfurl banner at the International Plowing Match, Pain Court, September 18, 2018 (by AM800's Peter Langille)
Premier Ford contested the ruling and invoked a constitutional provision known as the notwithstanding clause to reintroduce the legislation.
The new bill won't be up for a final vote until tomorrow at the earliest, and the province's lawyers said legislators wouldn't move forward with the vote if the stay was granted.