In several eastern Ontario communities, voters will not have multiple choices in the upcoming municipal elections, as only one candidate has entered the race, even in some mayoral races. Among the 20 most populous municipalities outside the capital covered by CBC Ottawa, 11 communities are facing this situation, based on a review of their final election lists.
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is still analyzing the data for the entire province, but the trend of acclaimed positions observed in the previous elections seems to persist in the current election cycle. Riley Brockington, the recently acclaimed president of AMO, acknowledged the individuals who have stepped forward uncontested but emphasized the value of contested races in engaging citizens and addressing diverse issues.
In North Grenville, Russell Township, and the Township of South Glengarry, the sole candidates for the mayoral positions have been acclaimed. Notably, incumbent mayors are retaining their positions in North Grenville and Russell, while the current deputy mayor in South Glengarry is transitioning to the mayoral role.
In Russell Township, Mike Tarnowski, the only candidate running for mayor, highlighted the challenges of negative online discourse but emphasized the importance of not engaging directly with such comments. Similarly, Mayor Nancy Peckford of North Grenville shared her experience of receiving more support than criticism from residents, noting the community’s backing during contentious moments.
Peckford also mentioned the demanding nature of council roles, suggesting that the level of commitment required might have deterred potential candidates this year. The decrease in the number of council candidates compared to previous years in North Grenville supports this observation, with Peckford highlighting the substantial sacrifices and dedication necessary to fulfill such responsibilities.
Financial considerations and job security concerns were cited by candidates during the 2022 municipal election season as factors that could dissuade individuals from running for office. Tarnowski emphasized the risks and rewards associated with mayoral roles, particularly for individuals in the middle of their careers, who might be hesitant to leave stable jobs for positions with uncertain outcomes.
In several communities with populations exceeding 10,000, including The Nation, Carleton Place, and Loyalist Township, incumbent mayors and council candidates have been acclaimed. Mayor Jim Hegadorn of Loyalist Township expressed concerns about the challenges faced by elected officials due to increasing incivility and the overall decline in candidates seeking election, highlighting potential impacts on local democracy.
Mississippi Mills stands out with multiple acclaimed positions, including the mayor, deputy mayor, current councillors, and a newcomer. The municipality of Clarence-Rockland and certain districts in Kingston also have sole candidates who have been acclaimed. All Ontario municipalities are set to hold elections on October 26, giving voters the opportunity to have their say in the democratic process.