His shop is packed to the ceiling with antique mirrors, old microphones, Star Trek lunch boxes and tired-looking mannequins once used in Toronto department stores. Abraham Shalechi stands behind the cluttered counter greeting the occasional customer, wandering in from the cold. He greets his patrons with a warm smile and allows them time to peruse his many treasures freely. Seldom does anyone purchase one of Shalechi’s unique wares.

Trinity-Spadina has been a hot political battleground this year. In June, residents voted in...