Ontario’s 2026 Municipal Elections: Results, Recounts and What Comes Next

Toronto Election Updates

Toronto’s 2026 municipal election produced a decisive mayoral result and a significant but limited council turnover. Olivia Chow won re-election with roughly 54 per cent of the vote, securing her first full term after winning the 2023 mayoral by-election. The City Clerk has since certified the results; 989,990 ballots were cast. (Toronto’s official election results)

Seven new councillors will join council, while 18 incumbents were returned. Key incoming members include former federal MP Nate Erskine-Smith in Beaches—East York, Sara Ehrhardt in Toronto—Danforth, Diana Chan McNally in Parkdale—High Park, Chiara Padovani in York South—Weston, former councillor Mike Layton in University—Rosedale, Curran Stikuts in Toronto Centre and former MP Shaun Chen in Scarborough North. (The winners and departures at Toronto City Hall)

The results also marked several notable departures. Brad Bradford lost his mayoral bid and will leave council, while longtime councillor Frances Nunziata was defeated in York South—Weston. Gord Perks and Paula Fletcher had retired, leaving open races in Parkdale—High Park and Toronto—Danforth. (Toronto Star’s election winners and losers)

What happens next

The new council term begins November 15, 2026. Newly elected members will make their declarations of office privately before council’s first meetings on November 18 and 19. The immediate transition will involve organizing council and committee structures, setting priorities and preparing for upcoming budget decisions. (City Clerk’s certification and transition schedule)

Ottawa Election Updates

Ottawa’s 2026 municipal election results are now official. Mark Sutcliffe was re-elected mayor, winning about 44.7% of the vote, while Jeff Leiper finished second with 33.9%. Sutcliffe carried 20 of the city’s 24 wards, with Leiper’s strongest support concentrated in central wards. (Official Ottawa election results)

The council will remain largely familiar: 21 incumbent councillors were re-elected, while three new members will join the chamber. Erin Coffin defeated Allan Hubley in Kanata South, Joanne Chianello won the open Kitchissippi seat, and Chelsea Walton won the Stittsville seat vacated by Glen Gower. Riley Brockington and David Brown were elected by acclamation. (CBC’s election takeaways)

Turnout was approximately 36.2%, the lowest in Ottawa since 2003, despite roughly 314,400 ballots being cast. The next council will also have more women than men, with women holding 13 of the council’s seats. (CBC’s results analysis)

What happens next

The elected mayor, councillors and school board trustees will take office on November 15, 2026, when Ottawa’s 2026–2030 council term begins. The City Clerk’s Office will hold orientation sessions for council-elect members before the new term starts. (City of Ottawa announcement)

Rest of Ontario Election Updates

Waterloo recount set for November 9

A three-vote margin is keeping one Waterloo regional council seat unsettled. Official results placed Chantal Huinink at 8,605 votes and Chris Moser at 8,602, while Jim Erb was also re-elected. Following a request from Moser’s campaign lawyers, council approved a recount for the seat. The recount will take place alongside the required Waterloo Catholic District School Board trustee recount on November 9 at 9 a.m. in Waterloo council chambers, according to a CityNews report.

Certified results and transition dates

Municipalities are moving from vote-counting to transition. The City of Greater Sudbury’s certified results show 40.5 per cent turnout, with roughly 75 per cent of ballots cast online. Sudbury’s new council is scheduled to be sworn in on November 24.

In the Township of Hamilton, Scott Jibb and Larry Williamson were acclaimed as mayor and deputy mayor, respectively. The township reported 23.7 per cent turnout, and its new council is scheduled to be inaugurated on November 17 at 1 p.m.

Across Ontario, the new municipal council term begins November 15. The AMO 2026 election-results website continues to provide municipality-by-municipality results, while noting that results are declared official by local clerks after voting day.

Poetry Corner

Ballots fluttered through Ontario,

From city street to rural lane,

With hopeful signs and eager waves,

And promises like springtime rain.

“Vote for roads!” cried one campaigner,

“Transit!” called another voice,

A third said, “Let’s fix everything—

And make it everyone’s first choice!”

In Toronto, debates grew lively,

Ottawa weighed each plan with care,

While every town and township asked,

“Who’ll steer the public chair?”

The ballots marched, the counters counted,

The maps were coloured, ward by ward;

Some candidates received a cheer,

And some received a thank-you card.

A recount here, a council there,

A close result beneath the light—

Democracy can take its time

Before it gets the numbers right.

So raise a cup to local politics,

Where potholes meet philosophy;

For every vote, both great and small,

Helps shape the place we hope to see.

And when the new councils take their seats,

With agendas stacked up tall,

May they find common ground—and maybe

Fix that one stubborn pothole for all!