With only one week remaining, individuals interested in participating in the upcoming municipal election this fall must submit their paperwork by the deadline. On October 26, voters will cast their ballots for city and township councillors, mayors, and school board trustees. Additionally, residents in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge will also elect regional councillors.
Natalia Chebel, the deputy clerk and manager of legislative services for the City of Waterloo, emphasized the importance of not waiting until the last minute to file paperwork. She highlighted that candidates should allow ample time for processing as discrepancies or missing information may need to be addressed.
Candidates are required to collect signatures, provide identification, proof of residency, and pay a fee to run for office, with the fee being $200 for mayor and $100 for other positions. Nomination papers will be accepted until 2 p.m. on Friday, August 21.
In the Waterloo region, significant changes include the absence of electing a regional chair this fall. The next regional chair will be appointed by Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Rob Flack, after the election. Speculation suggests that a local elected mayor may also serve as the regional chair.
All incumbent regional councillors have submitted their paperwork to run again this fall, with multiple candidates vying for positions in all three races. Notably, Cambridge and Waterloo will elect two regional councillors, while Kitchener will elect four.
In Cambridge, Mayor Jan Liggett seeks a second term, facing competition from four other candidates. Meanwhile, Kitchener’s Mayor Berry Vrbanovic aims for a fourth term, challenged by three opponents. In Waterloo, Mayor Dorothy McCabe seeks re-election unopposed.
Mayor Sue Foxton of North Dumfries will not seek re-election, leaving three candidates vying for the position. Wellesley’s Mayor Joe Nowak seeks a fourth term, with Chris Martin contesting. Mayor Sandy Shantz of Woolwich will not seek re-election, and there are three candidates running for the position.
The municipal election is set to bring changes and new faces to various positions across the Waterloo region, shaping the future of local governance.