2026 Municipal Election

The next municipal election will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026.

Nomination period is now open and closes on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Below is a list of the certified Regional candidates for the 2026 municipal election.

*Following the adoption of the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, on May 7, 2026 the Regional Chair is now a Provincially appointed position and will not appear on the ballot. No nominations for this position may be filed or accepted. Any nominations received prior to the passing of the Act are deemed withdrawn. 

Individuals interested in being considered for the Regional Chair position must apply through the Ontario Government’s website at https://www.ontario.ca/page/regional-head-council. Applications close on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and invited to participate in an interview.

Individuals must be eligible to vote in an area municipality within the Region and eligible to serve on Council under sections 257 and 258 of the Municipal Act, 2001.

Individuals are expected to possess exemplary leadership skills and should demonstrate the following competencies and experience:
• previous elected political experience and a strong understanding of regional and provincial priorities, including those specific to the upper-tier municipality to which they are applying;
• civic engagement and stakeholder management skills;
• innovative with experience leading major change initiatives in large organizations;
• effective communicator with proven ability to act as a facilitator and build trust;
• commitment to delivering exceptional service to customers/stakeholders; and
• decisive and strategic thinker.

Name Phone Email  Website Financial Statement
Pam Wolf 647-407-9874 pam_wolf@rogers.com TBD TBD
Doug Craig TBD douggcraig@icloud.com dougcraig.ca  TBD
Salman Arefin TBD TBD TBD TBD
Prakash Venkataraman TBD TBD TBD TBD

Name Phone Email Website Financial Statement
Kim Huxted 226-220-2862

kim@kimhuxted.com

www.kimhuxted.com

TBD
Joe Gowing 226-898-3250 electjoegowing@gmail.com joe-gowing.com TBD
Simon Guthrie 226-841-8513 hello@simonguthrie.ca www.simonguthrie.ca TBD
Colleen James TBD hello@colleen-james.ca www.colleen-james.ca TBD
Michael Harris TBD TBD TBD TBD
Matt Rodrigues 226-799-1406 vote@mattrodrigues.ca mattrodrigues.ca TBD
Michael Wisniewski 226-203-1555 mikewisniewski2010@gmail.com TBD TBD

 

Name Phone Email Website Financial Statement
Chantal Huinink TBD reelectchantalhuininkwr2026@gmail.com  https://www.reelectchantalhuininkwr2026.ca  TBD
Jim Erb TBD TBD TBD TBD

Are you registered to vote? - Check, update or add your information to the voters list for provincial, municipal and school board elections in Ontario. 

2026 AMO Election Workshops - The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering free workshops for any individuals considering running for office.

Provincial guide for Municipal Councillors - You can learn more about a municipal councillor's role and responsibilities to the people in their community. 

Contact Us

Region of Waterloo HQ
150 Frederick St.
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3
Telephone: 519-575-4400
Fax: 519-575-4481

For general inquiries:
Regionalinquiries@regionofwaterloo.ca

Other Main Region Locations

Cambridge Main Office
150 Main St.
Cambridge, ON N1R 6P9

Waterloo Main Office
99 Regina St. S.
Waterloo, ON N2J 4V3