Ontario Municipal Election Nominations Close Ahead of October Vote

Nominations for Ontario's municipal elections close at 2 p.m. on August 21, 2026, setting the stage for the general vote on October 26. The election cycle features several high-profile contests across the province's major cities.

In Toronto, Mayor Olivia Chow is seeking re-election while facing challenges from former federal Conservative minister Chris Alexander and council member Brad Bradford. Former Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith has also entered the race for the Beaches—East York ward. An Ipsos poll for the Toronto Region Board of Trade shows that 59% of residents believe the city lacks speed in decision-making, with housing affordability, cost of living, and traffic congestion listed as primary economic concerns.

Other significant races include Hamilton, where incumbent Mayor Andrea Horwath faces substantial challenges, and Guelph, where Mayor Cam Guthrie is stepping down after three terms. Increased mayoral competition is also reported in Mississauga.