The City of Guelph, Ontario, is hosting two information sessions on April 1 and April 13, 2026, for residents interested in running for mayor or city council. These sessions are designed to explain the rules for the upcoming local election on October 26, 2026, and help people decide if they want to serve in a local government role.
Both meetings will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at City Hall and are available to attend in person or online. The first session on April 1 will feature speakers from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to explain election laws and the rules for campaign spending. The second meeting on April 13 will focus on the daily duties and responsibilities of being a local representative.
These sessions come at a time of significant change for the community after Mayor Cam Guthrie announced he will not seek re-election. Guthrie has served as the mayor for 12 years and will finish his third term this year. With his departure and the retirement of three other councillors, several seats will be open for new candidates.
According to the local Integrity Commissioner, there has been a growing concern regarding the harassment of elected officials, which has been cited as a factor for some current members choosing not to run again. Other departing councillors have pointed to the heavy workload and the current part-time salary as reasons for stepping away from their positions.
Residents who want to run for mayor, city council, or as a school board trustee can officially sign up starting May 1, 2026. The deadline to submit the required paperwork for the City of Guelph election is August 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
