Observers say voters in the heavily populated Mountain wards 6, 7 and 8 appear to hold the key to whether David Christopherson or Larry Di Ianni wins.

The deciding factor may who can best mobilize volunteers to get the most Mountain supporters out to vote.

Christopherson is expected to win most of the lower city. The race appears close in the suburbs, where Di Ianni had hoped for a big lead. That leaves the Mountain as the pivotal point.

Di Ianni campaign manager Larry Russell pointed out yesterday that Mountain wards 7 and 8 have more votes than Ancaster, Flamborough and Waterdown combined, so they're bound to be a big factor, especially with hot contests for council likely to boost turnout. Source.