We have selected specific municipalities facing a range of challenges and will be showcasing the mayoral candidates available to residents, with a focus on those who may offer a fresh approach to these issues.
Our goal is to combat voter apathy, encourage informed participation, and inspire residents to take an active role in their municipal elections.
The Municipal Elections will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026, across all selected municipalities.
Choose your city
Finished city files first. The rest are still being researched.
Barrie Research live
Housing Policing Transit
Encampment removals, strong mayor powers and a housing push in a mid-sized city.
Mayoral candidates 4 running Core issues 3
Brantford Research live
Housing Land use Public funds
Housing affordability and homelessness, growth and infrastructure spending, and transportation are the central issues in Brantford's 2026 mayoral race — a wide-open contest after Mayor Kevin Davis chose not to seek re-election.
Mayoral candidates 7 running Core issues 3
Mississauga Research live
Housing Policing Public funds
Fourteen candidates for mayor. Housing intensification, a cluster of AI data centre proposals, and congestion are the fights.
Mayoral candidates 16 running Core issues 3
Waterloo Research live
AI data centres Environment Housing
AI data centres, affordability, core services and the protection of natural areas are the central issues in Waterloo's 2026 mayoral race. Five candidates are challenging or defending the mayor's chair.
Mayoral candidates 5 running Core issues 4
Hamilton In progress
Research underway.
London In progress
Research underway.
Oakville In progress
Research underway.
Ottawa In progress
Research underway.
Toronto In progress
Research underway.
Vaughan In progress
Research underway.
How we build each city file
Every city follows the same eight-question research template, so you can compare across Ontario instead of taking our word for it.
01
Name the problem
What is happening, who is affected, and when it started.
02
Trace the record
Votes, budgets, statements. Inherited or self-inflicted.
03
Weigh the alternatives
What every challenger is actually promising, with sources.
Where it comes from
City Clerk filings, council minutes and recorded votes, campaign finance returns, candidate sites. Every claim links to its source.
What we will not publish
Unverified leaks, anonymous accusations, unsourced screenshots, or allegations before a legal finding.
Where we stand
OAC is an advocacy organisation, not a neutral outlet. The facts are checkable; the assessment is ours, and labelled as such.
Corrections published within 48 hours. The last data refresh is shown above.
