2026 Municipal Post-Election Analysis

The Results Are In

Ontarians have cast their ballots for Mayor, Councillor and school board Trustees and the results are in. While some incumbents retained their positions, voters across suburban and regional municipalities demonstrated an appetite for change.

In the days and weeks leading up to election day, there was a noticeable increase in advanced voter turnout across several Ontario municipalities, reflecting heightened voter engagement and a growing preference for the convenience of advance polls. The strongest evidence comes from City of Toronto, where 222,550 voters cast ballots during the six-day advance voting period, the highest advance turnout recorded in more than a decade.

Affordability and the cost of living were central themes of municipal elections across the province, alongside housing, infrastructure and, particularly in urban communities, public safety. These issues are likely to remain prominent as new Councils set their agendas and make key decisions over the next four years.

Data centres also emerged as a significant election issue. As debate over new data centre development has intensified across North America, the issue increasingly entered municipal election discourse in Ontario and is likely to remain an important consideration for Councils in the coming term.

While not exhaustive, below is a snapshot of several tight races and new mayoral administrations in the GTA and beyond. With newly elected Councils preparing to set priorities for the 2026-2030 term, now presents a unique opportunity and critical window to engage decision-makers while policy agendas, budget priorities, and working relationships are being established. Early engagement helps ensure key issues are understood at the outset and positions stakeholders as constructive partners while Councils begin shaping their mandates for the next four years.

What Comes Next

With the municipal elections concluded, newly elected Mayors and Councils will begin the transition from campaigning to governing, including staffing their respective offices, establishing committee structures, setting strategic priorities, and preparing budgets for the upcoming term. Early decisions in the first few months of a new Council often shape municipal policy directions, capital spending priorities, and stakeholder relationships for the next four years.

In the weeks ahead, Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is also expected to announce appointments for eight Regional Chairs in jurisdictions across southern Ontario, helping to finalize regional governance structures before new Councils formally begin their terms.

Newly elected Councils are typically sworn in by mid-November, with their first meetings on new business held shortly thereafter. In the weeks and months that follow, municipalities will consider and approve their 2027 budgets, setting the direction for key financial decisions. In tandem, new Mayors and Councils will also need to build effective relationships with other orders of government to secure funding, coordinate support and advance shared priorities.

Why This Matters

The post-election period presents a key opportunity for relationship-building with newly elected decision makers. Organizations looking to engage should prepare messages aligned with the local government's emerging priorities and identify opportunities for constructive engagement. 

Success will depend on delivering the right message to the right stakeholders, at the right time. Sussex can help clients identify key decision makers, refine their value proposition and develop engagement strategies aligned with the priorities of newly elected local Mayors and Councils. We also provide direct outreach support where needed, including drafting congratulatory correspondence, coordinating meetings, and preparing briefing and leave-behind materials.

Click here to explore the full 2026 Municipal Election Results.