By Pepper Parr
June 1st, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
The 2026 municipal election is going to be a lot different than what took place in 2022. The pandemic resulted in people having the behave differently and to be careful about how the congregated.
Voters will decide on who the Council members will be on October 26th
The 2028 election resulted in a huge change in the makeup of the seven member council. Five of the seven were brand new to politics. The hope was that they would grow as a team. Council turned into a divisive organization.
The election we are now working through is going to be much more robust than what took place in 2022. It also has the potential to elect a new Mayor.
There are good candidates in most of the wards, the exception being ward 6.
The Gazette has decided it will not be accepting election advertising from any candidate.
We will however, offering editorial space to those who are running for the first time.
Each month from June to September each candidate will be offered free news space where they can set out their campaign, what they would do as a Council member if they were elected. The only role the Gazette will play in the content is the writing of the headline. Incumbents have a huge advantage over people running for the first time. We take the position that voters deserve to hear what a candidate has to say.
The Gazette is preparing to hold debates at both the Mayoralty and ward levels. We are preparing to meet with people who will serve as moderators and others who will serve as panel members. Panel members will be putting questions to the candidates.
The Roseland Community Organization will be hold a Mayor level debate and debates involving the ward 4 vote only. That will take place on October 20th, at Port Nelson United Church where there is a limited amount of space.
The Gazette is looking at a location with more than enough space for a large turnout and plenty of parking space.
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The statement that Ward 6 is an “exception” with no context or supporting evidence is both disappointing and concerning. During an election period, making broad, negative generalizations about a ward without objective data or explanation is not responsible journalism. If there are specific concerns about Ward 6 candidates, they should be clearly outlined and supported—not implied through vague commentary.
Note that it was an opinion piece. One that you don’t agree with. Would that be because you are connected to one of the candidates or are perhaps actually one of the candidates?
What is the issue with the candidates in Ward 6?
I thought I posted this before but it seems to have disappeared into the ether.
Will the Gazette at its debates be providing attending residents with the ability to ask questions of the candidates from the floor?
Editor’s note: Yes that is the current thinking – there is a concern that this could get out of control.
“out of control” ? I do not think Burlington residents are anything like Paris. Saint-Germain soccer fans who riot even when they win.
I would suggest rules be set in advance. Rules such as one question per resident. No debating with candidates by residents.
Questions from a panel, quite often which are known in advance by candidates are gentle lob balls waiting to be hit out of the park.
Candidates taking questions from the audience, some which may be uncomfortable for them, is an integral and essential part of taking to the hustings.