Ontario's Liberal Party has named Toronto city councillor Shelley Carroll as its candidate in the new riding of Don Valley North for the 2018 provincial election.

In a news release on Tuesday, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne says Carroll has much expertise as a councillor. Carroll, who represents Ward 33 - Don Valley East, is the first candidate appointed by the premier to run in an unheld riding next year.

"Shelley has a fantastic track record of supporting our shared work to invest in Toronto transit, childcare, and education. I am delighted to have her experience and expertise on our team. She's the kind of person we need at Queen's Park," Wynne said in the release.

Carroll said the move makes sense as part of her career in public service.

"The Ontario Liberal government is an amazing partner for the City of Toronto, whether through the massive amounts of funding to build transit across the city, or else the critical work to invest in our schools, hospitals, and other vital public services," Carroll said.

"I got into politics to oppose Conservative cuts and I am so grateful for the work the Ontario Liberal government has done and continues to do to rebuild our public services, including right here in Toronto."

Carroll said it means she can serve her existing constituents in a new way.

"I want to use the experience I have honed at City Hall and on the school board to contribute to the excellent work the Liberal government is doing for Toronto and for all Ontario," she said.

Under the Ontario Liberal Party constitution, Wynne is allowed to make five appointments in unheld ridings.

Carroll sits on the city's police services board, and has previously served as chair of the works committee and its budget chief. She announced her intention to run for the Liberals last October.

She was first elected to council in 2003.