As deadline looms for Ontario municipal elections candidates, some seats uncontested

As the clock ticks down for Ontario's municipal elections, some races remain uncontested. With nominations closing Friday, a growing concern among observers and advocates is the number of seats listed with either one or no registered candidates. Zachary Spicer, a professor at York University, notes this trend, particularly in rural areas, has been observed in recent election cycles.

In the 2018 vote, several municipalities saw their entire councils acclaimed, and some rural communities had no candidates at all. This lack of contestation, Spicer emphasizes, is detrimental to democracy, impacting decisions on housing, infrastructure, public safety, and more. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario echoed these concerns, urging potential candidates to run and stressing the critical role local governments play in community life.

Factors such as the demands of the job and low pay may be deterring individuals from joining the race. In larger cities, salaries have begun to match the demands, but small communities often offer only a modest stipend or honorarium. Additionally, meeting times can be inconvenient for those with family commitments. Spicer suggests making the role more flexible could attract a broader range of candidates.

Since the 2022 elections, significant changes have occurred, including the provincial appointment of chairs in certain regions and counties, along with "strong chair powers." Critics view these changes as anti-democratic, reminiscent of the takeover of school boards. The Oct. 26 election unfolds amid supervisory periods for several school boards in Ontario, with Education Minister Paul Calandra yet to set a timeline for the supervision to conclude.