Ontario Municipal Elections Oust Veteran Mayors in Major Upsets
Ontario voters ousted several long-serving mayors across the province, including Canada's longest-serving mayor in Milton, while Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow secured re-election.
Municipal elections across Ontario on October 26, 2026, resulted in a wave of upsets for veteran incumbents, particularly within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. In Milton, George Minakakis defeated Gord Krantz, who had served as Canada's longest-serving mayor since 1980. Other significant losses included Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath, who finished third behind winner Keanin Loomis, and Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, who was defeated by Lori Lococo. Lococo becomes the city's first female mayor, winning 51.45 percent of the vote on a platform of fiscal accountability and zero-based budgeting.
In Mississauga, Alvin Tedjo won the mayoral race, defeating incumbent Carolyn Parrish and former mayor Bonnie Crombie. Other incumbents ousted included Drew Dilkens in Windsor, Wayne Redekop in Fort Erie, and Mike Bradley in Sarnia. Conversely, several high-profile leaders retained their seats, including Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who won with 54 percent of the vote, and mayors in Ottawa, Brampton, and Burlington.
Across the province's 414 to 444 municipalities, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario reported that 104 heads of council were acclaimed without a vote. Premier Doug Ford stated that his government is ready to work with all newly elected officials to address issues affecting Ontario families. In Niagara Falls, Lococo intends to prioritize affordability and the city budget during her first 100 days while managing the city's relationship with the provincial government.
