In November 1985, at age thirty-three, Christie was elected to the Toronto City Council as an alderman for Ward 9, in a section of Toronto then known as The Beaches. On his first day as a member of Council his colleagues elected him Chair of the City Services (Works) Committee and he was instrumental in the effort to close the Commissioners Street Incinerator. Christie also chaired the Neighbourhoods (Parks, Fire, Buildings) Committee. As chair of the Daycare Grants Committee, he was noted for his efforts resulting in better wages for early childhood educators. In 1987, Mr. Christie was selected as one of "Toronto's Top 25 Under 40" by the Globe and Mail.