A Busy Municipal Fall In Ontario

Municipal Affairs
7 hours ago
2 min read

Ready or not, the race to Ontario's next municipal election is officially underway.

This month marks the beginning of the 2026 municipal election calendar, with nominations now open for candidates across the province. That process continues until August 21st, when nominations close and the campaign officially kicks into high gear.

From that point forward, Ontarians can expect to see campaign signs on street corners, candidates knocking on doors, and local issues taking centre stage as communities prepare to head to the polls on October 26th.

But August 21st isn't the only important date on the calendar.

Just days earlier, from August 16th to 19th, municipal leaders from across Ontario will gather in Ottawa for the 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference. It's the province's largest gathering of municipal leaders—a chance to discuss shared priorities, strengthen partnerships, and advocate for the issues that matter most to local governments.

For many elected officials, this year's conference will also be their last opportunity to meet with colleagues from across the province before voters decide who will return for another term.

It also marks the conclusion of an important chapter for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, as AMO President Robin Jones prepares to pass the baton to a new president after leading the organization since 2024.

What is typically a quieter summer season for Ontario municipalities is ending with a flurry of activity, setting the stage for what promises to be a busy and consequential few months for local government.

To help us reflect on the past four years, look ahead to the next four, and discuss the issues shaping the 2026 municipal election, we're pleased to welcome AMO President Robin Jones to the program. Before becoming AMO President in 2024, Mayor Jones was elected Chair of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association in 2021, bringing years of municipal leadership and advocacy to the role.

All that and more, coming up on this episode of Municipal Affairs.

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