The City of Thunder Bay, Ontario, has confirmed the next municipal election will be held on October 26, 2026. This local vote happens every four years and will determine the leadership of the city for the following four-year term.
Current Mayor Ken Boshcoff announced he will not seek re-election, ending a political career that began when he was first elected to council in 1978. His decision means residents will be electing a new mayor to lead the city. During the last election in 2022, Boshcoff won the position in a race that included five different candidates.
Residents interested in running for a seat on city council can begin submitting their nomination papers on May 1, 2026. The deadline for all candidates to enter the race is August 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. A candidate information session is being held at City Hall on April 16, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to help potential candidates prepare.
Voters will choose a total of 13 representatives, including one mayor, five councillors who represent the whole city, and seven councillors for specific local wards. This election comes at a time when the community is addressing a humanitarian crisis involving homelessness. In 2025, city records showed that 652 people were experiencing homelessness in the community.
