A clearer understanding of the candidates vying for positions in the upcoming municipal elections in Ontario is expected to materialize today as the deadline for nominations draws to a close. Potential candidates have until 2 p.m. to officially enter the race for the Oct. 26 election, with some early contenders, such as those eyeing the mayoralties of Toronto and Mississauga, already actively campaigning.
Noteworthy entries in recent days include former Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith, who is running for the council seat in Beaches—East York, Toronto. Concerns have been raised by some political analysts regarding the number of seats where only one candidate or no candidates at all have emerged as the deadline approaches.
Zachary Spicer, an associate professor at York University specializing in public policy, highlighted the impact of a competitive mayoral race on voter turnout for municipal elections, which typically lags behind provincial and federal elections. Conversely, he noted that a mayoral race dominated by a strong incumbent with minimal challengers can dampen enthusiasm for council elections, resulting in lower voter participation.
Election watchers are particularly interested in the mayoral races in Mississauga, which has seen increased competition in recent years, and Hamilton, where the incumbent mayor, former provincial NDP leader Andrea Horwath, is facing significant challenges. Guelph is also expected to have an engaging race as three-term mayor Cam Guthrie steps down, leaving the top position open for new contenders.
In Toronto, a new poll indicates a growing desire among residents for quicker decision-making and a greater openness to innovative solutions. The survey, conducted by Ipsos for the Toronto Region Board of Trade, revealed that a majority of respondents feel the city lacks agility in decision-making and a willingness to explore new ideas. Concerns over insufficient investment in infrastructure, high cost of living, housing affordability, and traffic congestion were also highlighted as key economic issues, with public transit improvements ranking fourth.
The polling industry’s professional body noted that online surveys like this one do not provide a margin of error as they do not employ random sampling methods.