Candidates for the upcoming municipal election in Barrie, Ontario, have begun preparing for the October 26, 2026 vote, with Mayor Alex Nuttall officially announcing his campaign for a second term.
Nominations for the offices of mayor, city councillor, and school board trustee opened on May 1, 2026. According to the City of Barrie, individuals interested in running for office or those acting as third-party advertisers can learn more about the process during an information session being held today, May 11, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at City Hall. The session is hosted by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with a second meeting planned for May 28, 2026.
Mayor Nuttall launched his re-election bid on May 5, 2026, at the Mill Creek Community Centre. Nuttall was first elected in 2022, securing the mayoralty with 13,401 votes. His current term has included several high-profile municipal actions, most notably the declaration of a state of emergency in September 2025 to address the growth of homeless encampments across the city.
The 2026 election will feature notable changes for voters and candidates alike, as the city implements new ward boundaries. These adjustments follow the official annexation of 4,133 acres of land from the neighbouring townships of Springwater and Oro-Medonte, which took effect on January 1, 2026.
Voters can also expect changes in the composition of city council. Two current councillors, Clare Riepma of Ward 1 and Ann-Marie Kungl of Ward 3, have announced they will not seek re-election, opening up seats for new representation. Prospective candidates have until August 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. to submit their nomination papers. Advance voting is set to take place from October 16 to October 26, 2026, ahead of the official election day.
