OPINION – TIME TO GET READY

The 2026 municipal election is less than eight months away. In preparation, Focus Burlington recently hosted its second Town Hall event on February 26th titled “Taking the Next Big Step: Practical Tips, Advice and Guidance on How to Run a Successful Municipal Election Campaign.”

The panel featured three experienced political veterans—Brad Harness, Liz Galvin, and Mark Carr—each with extensive experience in campaign management or as municipal councillors.

Their advice was practical and grounded in real experience. Combined with a presentation from Focus Burlington, the discussion offered a valuable frame of reference for anyone considering a run for municipal office. Several key points are worth highlighting.

Making the Commitment

Panellists differed slightly on exactly when campaigning should begin, but the consensus was clear: the earlier, the better.

Running for public office should not be taken lightly. Prospective candidates were strongly encouraged to consult with family and close friends before making the decision. Establishing a trusted circle of advisors and confidantes is also essential to running an effective campaign.

Understand the Sacrifices

Unlike communities such as Oakville, which have a two-tier municipal government structure with separate local and regional councillors, Burlington combines these roles; however, each councillor does have a full-time, unelected assistant.

In practice, this means that some councillors treat the position as a full-time responsibility. Members of our current council work incredibly hard, attending photo opportunities and constantly promoting themselves on social media. Voters recognize the time spent on budgets and on the important issues facing the city.

An Early Start is Crucial

Some candidates wait until late summer—sometimes as late as August—to enter the race. While late entries can succeed, the compressed timeline makes campaigning much more difficult.

An early start allows candidates to build name recognition and consistently connect with voters. This is especially important for newcomers hoping to challenge an incumbent.

Funding is Critical

Running a credible campaign requires money. Panellists suggested that at least $10,000 is typically needed to mount a viable campaign.

These funds may come from personal contributions, family support, individual donors, or fundraising events.

It’s All About Teamwork

While it is technically possible to campaign alone, a team of supporters makes the effort far more effective.

With roughly 140,000 voters in Burlington and six wards, each ward contains more than 23,000 voters. Reaching even a fraction of them through door-to-door canvassing, phone calls, email, and social media requires significant time and organization.

An experienced campaign manager who coordinates canvassing, communications, signage, and get-out-the-vote efforts can make a decisive difference.

Be Strategic

Successful campaigns are not improvised. They require a coordinated strategy that uses time and resources efficiently.

Candidates need a clear plan for where and when to connect with voters and how to maximize outreach in a limited campaign period.

A Multi-Faceted Approach

One of the most significant changes in municipal campaigning over the past fifteen years has been the rise of social media.

Many voters—particularly those under 40—now receive much of their news through platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Candidates who effectively communicate their message through these channels can reach audiences that traditional campaigning techniques may miss.

Know the Local Issues

While many concerns are common across the city—transportation, flooding, and rising property taxes- each ward also has its own priorities.

In some neighbourhoods, the concern may be the decline of a local plaza. In others, it may be inadequate public transit, rodent control, or snow removal. Understanding these local “hot-button” issues demonstrates engagement with residents and can give candidates a clear advantage.

Don’t Get Lost in the Weeds

Candidates sometimes struggle because they fail to distinguish themselves clearly.

A successful campaign requires three things:

1. A platform — a clear set of values and priorities aligned with community concerns.
2. A message — a simple and consistent way to communicate those priorities.
3. Credibility — demonstrating the experience, knowledge, and judgment needed to represent constituents effectively.

No Place for Novices

Municipal government today is a complex enterprise.

The 2025 budget for the City of Burlington totals $469.9 million. The city employs roughly 1,150 full-time and 1,000 part-time staff, and delivers more than 37 services.

The past four years on council have been particularly challenging, with debates over rising property taxes, residential intensification, traffic congestion, and housing affordability. In addition, an unusually high number of staff departures has raised concerns about the stability of the city administration.

These are not simple issues.

While people can grow into the role, candidates with prior business, management, or organizational experience often have an advantage. Larger urban municipalities require elected officials capable of overseeing complex budgets, policies, and organizations.

Conclusion

There are many resources available to help those considering a run for municipal office, both in deciding whether to run and in preparing a campaign.

On its website, Focus Burlington has posted the PowerPoint presentation from the February Town Hall as a resource for prospective candidates. The final pages also include a list of additional materials and tools worth reviewing.

Nomination form: https://forms.mgcs.gov.on.ca/en/dataset/017-9499p

Endorsement form: https://forms.mgcs.gov.on.ca/en/dataset/017-2233

Over the coming weeks, Burlington’s seven incumbents will decide whether they intend to seek re-election. Regardless of their decisions, one can hope that the 2026 municipal election will feature a strong slate of candidates and a thoughtful, constructive debate about the future direction of our city.

Mark your calendars today – the election is on October 26^th, 2026 – vote and encourage your friends and family to vote.