By: Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Burlington Local-News.ca
Residents across Halton who are considering a run for municipal office had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of local politics during a recent “Thinking About Running for Council?” candidate information session, organized by clerks from across Halton Region.
The session comes at a pivotal time, as Burlington prepares for the 2026 municipal election alongside changes to its ward boundaries. In May 2025, Burlington City Council passed bylaw 030-2025, introducing minor adjustments that will impact Wards 1 through 4. The updated ward structure will officially take effect on Nov. 15, 2026, at the start of the new council term.
Prospective candidates were also guided through the nomination process, which opens May 1, 2026, and closes at 2 p.m. on Aug. 21, 2026. Candidates must file nomination papers in person by appointment with the City Clerk at Burlington City Hall. Requirements include completed nomination and endorsement forms, at least 25 eligible elector endorsements for council positions, identification verifying identity and citizenship, and a filing fee.
One of the session’s featured speakers, former Centre Wellington mayor Kelly Linton, drew on more than two decades of experience in municipal government to provide practical insights into the realities of serving on council.
“City councillors have three main roles,” said Linton. “They have a representative role, listening to residents’ concerns, attending community events, and advocating for your residents at council. Members of council also have a policy-making role…and then the third role is a steward role, ensuring the financial integrity of the municipality.”
Linton emphasized that these responsibilities can sometimes be at odds with one another, sharing an example of a municipality where residents overwhelmingly supported building a new indoor gym, despite the town lacking the financial capacity to take on the project.
“This put the members of council in a tough spot,” Linton explained. “As representatives of the people, they should support the investment. But as stewards of municipal finances, they had a duty to say no. Sometimes wearing those three hats is not as easy as it seems.”
He also cautioned potential candidates about the limits of individual authority once elected. “An individual member of council cannot direct staff or receive information outside of what has been provided to all of council,” he said. “A councillor has no more right to those documents than a regular citizen outside of formal processes.”
Beyond governance, Linton stressed the importance of collaboration and professionalism at the council table. “Municipalities that have members of council that respect each other and respect staff are doing much better, and they get a lot more accomplished,” he said.
He added that disagreement is not only inevitable but necessary, if handled properly. “Positive conflict is good. The best teams are the ones that know how to disagree respectfully…It’s okay to be wrong. Active listening is important, ask lots of questions, and show respect.”
For those looking to campaign, Linton offered straightforward advice: “Meet as many people as possible, have as many conversations as you can, put yourself out there, and expect that some people will be negative.”
He encouraged candidates to stay grounded in their purpose. “Figure out what value you can bring to your community, write it down, make it clear, and stick to it. Be positive. Think about the future. Don’t trash your opponents.”
The session also featured municipal law expert John Mascarin, who provided a deeper dive into the legislative framework governing municipalities in Ontario. His presentation focused on the Municipal Act, 2001, and the evolution of governance structures, including the introduction of “strong mayor” powers.
Mascarin traced the origins of these powers back to comments made by Ontario Premier Doug Ford during the time when his brother, Rob Ford, was in municipal politics. “This quote is attributed to Doug Ford: ‘If I ever get to the provincial level of politics, municipal affairs is the first thing I would want to change. I think mayors across the province deserve stronger powers.’ This is the origin story for strong mayor powers,” said Mascarin, referencing Ford’s long-standing view that mayors should have expanded authority.
Introduced in 2022, strong mayor powers were designed to help accelerate housing and infrastructure development by giving mayors the ability to override certain council decisions. Mascarin explained that these powers operate within a broader legislative framework and must be interpreted alongside specific regulations that govern how and when they can be used.
He also highlighted the role of the Municipal Act, 2001, which governs most municipalities in Ontario and outlines their powers, responsibilities, and accountability to residents.
Municipal elections in Ontario are held every four years, with the next vote scheduled for Oct. 26, 2026. In Halton Region, voters elect a mayor for their municipality, who also serves on Regional Council, as well as ward or regional councillors, depending on the municipality. The Regional Chair represents the entire region, though how the position is selected — historically through election — has been the subject of recent provincial proposals that have not yet been finalized.
With changes to governance structures, evolving legislation, and a renewed focus on civic engagement, organizers hope sessions like this will encourage more residents to consider stepping into public office.
For more information about running in the 2026 municipal election, residents can visit Halton Region’s elections webpage or visit their local municipality’s website (click here for the City of Burlington’s election information).
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