Who isn’t running in the 2026 municipal election

After three terms, Guelph’s current mayor will not run for re-election this fall. CTV’s Alexandra Holyk finds out why.

Several local politicians have decided not to run in the 2026 municipal election.

Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie made his announcement in March.

“I will step aside and pass the baton to the leader our voters choose,” he wrote on social media.

In an interview with CTV News, Guthrie explained that “announcing early allows for a smooth transition. Important files and initiatives continue even during an election, and I want to help steer them to completion while working collaboratively with whoever is elected.”

He called it a difficult decision, but one that was necessary.

“I am looking at what’s really best for my family,” Guthrie said. “It’s the right time for me to look for a new adventure and a new journey to go on to.”

Elsewhere, Township of Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz is also not running for re-election.

“I leave this role with a full heart and great confidence in the future of Woolwich. We are well positioned for continued success, and I know our community will choose thoughtful and capable leadership in the years ahead,” she said in a news release on April 30.

She has served as mayor for three terms.

Two Waterloo councillors will also be giving up their seats.

One is Jen Vasic in Ward 5.

The two-term councillor announced her planned departure four months ago.

“I want to give anyone who is considering a run the time and space to genuinely explore it,” she wrote in a LinkedIn post. “If you are thinking about putting your name forward, I wholeheartedly encourage you to consider it. Serving in this role has been an honour and a profound learning experience. It isn’t without its challenges, and each person will meet different ones, but those challenges have a way of sharpening your skills, deepening your understanding and pushing you to grow. That’s a good thing.”

Ward 2 Councillor Royce Bodaly has also decided not to run for re-election.

“Earning the right to represent you at city hall for these past two terms has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” he wrote in his own LinkedIn post. “I will always remember how I felt when I found out that I had (narrowly) secured the most votes in 2018. I have tried very hard to keep with me how surreal it felt for me to sit at the ‘horseshoe’ at city hall during my first council meeting. While we did not always agree, I have always tried my very best to explain my rationale for why the city was doing what it was doing, whether I supported that decision with my vote or not.”

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Brant County, David Bailey, also said he would not be running for re-election.

“Eight years feels like the right time for a transition. I’ve given this role everything I have, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. I also believe it’s healthy for any organization to welcome new energy and new leadership. When I was first elected in 2018, I didn’t come from a political background. What I brought instead was a genuine desire to serve this community that I care so deeply about. Two terms later, I can say without hesitation that these have been among the most rewarding years of my life,” he said in a news release.

Neither Guthrie, Bailey, Vasic nor Bodaly have shared what they will be doing after the 2026 municipal election.

What you need to know about the election

Election Day is Monday, Oct. 26.

Voters must be Canadian citizens and at least 18 years old to cast a ballot. They also must live, own property or rent in the riding they want to vote in, or be the spouse of an owner or tenant in the municipality.

Residents should make sure their information is up-to-date before they head to their local polling station. Visit RegisterToVoteON.ca to check, remove or update your personal information.

Information for candidates

Nominations open for the 2026 municipal election on May 1.

Candidates have until Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. to submit their name for inclusion on the ballot. They must also submit 25 signatures on their nomination form and pay a $100 fee. For mayoral candidates, the fee is $200.

The Region of Waterloo is hosting a Municipal Election Candidate Information session on April 23 for anyone considering running. Participants are asked to RSVP here.