Focus Burlington Gears Up for a Dynamic 2026 Municipal Election Season

Excitement is building across the community as Focus Burlington moves forward with plans for what promises to be a highly engaging and informative mayoral debate ahead of the 2026 municipal election. With a venue selected, a date secured, and invitations already extended to candidates, preparations are well underway to create an event that will inform voters and energize civic participation.

We are pleased to report that two of the three declared mayoral candidates -Kearns and Nisan – have confirmed their attendance. The campaign team for incumbent Mayor Marianne Meed Ward has indicated they are reviewing their availability and expect to respond following the close of nominations on August 21^st. We remain optimistic that all candidates will ultimately take part in what will be a key opportunity for residents to hear directly from those seeking to lead Burlington into its next chapter.

The debate itself is expected to run approximately two hours, allowing for meaningful discussion on the issues that matter most to Burlington residents. In addition, Focus Burlington is creating space for ward-level engagement by inviting ward candidates to host information tables prior to the debate. This will give attendees a valuable opportunity to meet candidates, ask questions, and better understand the choices they will face on the ballot.

As momentum builds, several wards have also signaled their intention to host ward-specific debates. These localized forums will complement the mayoral debate by providing deeper insight into neighbourhood-level priorities and candidate perspectives. Focus Burlington will continue to share updates as these plans take shape.

At this stage, the ward races are already beginning to form, with a strong and diverse slate of candidates stepping forward:

• Ward 1: Kelvin Galbraith, Cheryl Hurst, Robert Radway
• Ward 2: Masha Brar, Sean Campbell, Gary Carr
• Ward 3: Tony Brecknock, Kyle Hutton, Katy Moore, Mark Carr
• Ward 4: Chris Carter, Olivia Duke
• Ward 5: Alex Don, Paul Sharman, Kristy Dickinson
• Ward 6: Osob Adus, Angelo Bentivegna, Frank Domenic, Rowen Fraser

Visit our “vote” webpage for information on candidates: Burlington Votes

This growing list reflects a healthy level of interest in civic leadership and signals a competitive and engaging election season ahead.

For residents who want to learn more about the candidates as they are officially registered, the City of Burlington maintains an up-to-date list through its election portal. We encourage voters to stay informed as new names may still be added before the nomination deadline. https://myvote.burlington.ca/for-voters/list-of-candidates/

For those considering putting their name forward, there is still time. To run as a candidate in Burlington’s 2026 municipal election, nomination papers must be filed between May 1, 2026 and 2 p.m. on August 21, 2026 with the City Clerk at City Hall, 426 Brant Street. Nominations are accepted during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) by appointment only. Appointments can be arranged by calling 905-335-7777 or by emailing the Clerks Department at clerks@burlington.ca.

Source: Municipal Elections – City of Burlington

The coming weeks will be critical in shaping the conversation about Burlington’s future. Focus Burlington is proud to play a role in fostering informed dialogue, encouraging participation, and helping residents connect with the individuals who are stepping forward to serve.

Details for the Focus Burlington Debate

Thursday October 1st, 2026
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
East Plains United Church

Many Ward candidates have agreed to join us and be available from 6:30 pm until 7:00 pm. Candidates for each Ward will be grouped together in an open area of the Church, making it easier for you to meet them. There will be signs for each Ward area and candidate.

The debate will start at 7:05 pm. Our moderator is Alan Harrington. After introductions and preliminary remarks, each candidate will be asked five prepared questions. Questions that will not be shared with the candidates in advance of the debate. Following the prepared questions, there will be 45 minutes available for questions from the audience. As we conclude the event, each candidate will be invited to speak for 10 minutes.

We look forward to welcoming the community to the mayoral debate and to continuing to support a vibrant, transparent, and inclusive election process.