There were no ghosts or goblins in the council chamber but the debate turned dark and dreary at times when those at city hall debated whether to end the day early on Halloween.

After an almost 10-minute debate, council voted 29-14 in favour of ending at 4:30pm, with a one hour break. That's three-and-a-half hours earlier than council usually wraps up for the day.

Councillor Karen Stintz initially suggested ending at 2pm and working through lunch.

Stintz, who has two young children, says many councillors came to her because they want to take
part in what she called "Halloween Activities".

Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong suggested to end at the later time given it was more in tune to when city workers end. He said he also wanted to take his young daughter trick or treating.

Calling the debate ridiculous, Councillor Doug Ford became frustrated getting to the vote was taking so long.

Council usually ends at 8pm.

Councillor votes:

Yes

Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailão, Michelle Berardinetti, Shelley Carroll, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Frank Di Giorgio, Sarah Doucette, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Mark Grimes, Norman Kelly, Mike Layton, Giorgio Mammoliti, Pam McConnell, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Jaye Robinson, Karen Stintz

No

Maria Augimeri, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Mike Del Grande, Mary Fragedakis, Doug Holyday, Chin Lee, Josh Matlow, Ron Moeser, John Parker, David Shiner, Michael Thompson, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam

Absent

Gloria Lindsay Luby, Anthony Perruzza