There is only one week remaining for individuals to submit their candidacy for the upcoming municipal election in October, with four contenders vying for the position of Guelph’s next mayor.
Mayor Cam Guthrie, who declared in March that he would not seek re-election after three terms in office and prior service as a city councillor, will be stepping down. The current candidates for the mayoral race are Leanne Caron from Ward 5, Ken Yee Chew from Ward 6, Ryan Meunier, and Evaristo Ramos Jr.
In each ward of Guelph, two councillors are elected, and multiple candidates are running in each race. Notably, Coun. Erin Caton from Ward 1 has decided not to pursue a second term, citing the demanding workload, insufficient compensation, and benefits as obstacles for a single parent with disabilities. Despite this, Caton expressed pride in the significant improvements in accessibility, transparency, equity, and governance achieved during their tenure.
While Michele Richardson in Ward 3 and Christine Billings in Ward 4 have yet to file their candidacy paperwork, the nomination deadline set by the city’s clerk’s office is 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21. Candidates must arrange a nomination meeting with the clerk’s office to complete the filing process.
Commencing on Sept. 1, voters can verify their status on the voter list and make any necessary updates or additions in preparation for the advanced polls from Oct. 10 to 18 and the official voting day on Oct. 26.