1909 Toronto municipal election
At the same as the election, a referendum was held on reducing the number of licensed bars in the city by 40. The proposal passed, but in a surprise upset Controller Frank S. Spence, who was the strongest supporter for the measure, was defeated. His place on the Toronto Board of Control was taken by former Alderman George Reginald Geary who had been defeated by Oliver for Mayor the year previously. Alderman James Hales also tried to gain a seat on the board.