Candidates emerge, long-time servants step away in upcoming municipal election

Candidates for the municipal election in October have had nearly two weeks to announce their campaigns, and some well-known local figures have decided to step away from politics.

There’s still plenty of time before the nomination period closes in August. Still, voters in Waterloo Region are beginning to get a clearer picture of which names will be on their ballots.

Significantly, voters won’t be able to elect a regional chair this fall, after the provincial government passed the Better Regional Governance Act last week. Premier Doug Ford’s government will appoint a regional chair for the next term; however, residents will still have the ability to elect regional councillors.

Some long-time mayors around Waterloo Region and beyond have decided to step away from politics for now, including North Dumfries Mayor Sue Foxton, Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz and Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic has yet to announce a decision on whether to run this fall.

Mayoral candidates

Councillor candidates

Note: As new candidates announce their campaigns daily, this list is subject to change.

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