Peloza and challenger campaign on issues facing Ward 12 and London, not her health

As Elizabeth Peloza plans for re-election, her challenger, a 19-year-old Western University student, also hit the campaign trail. Daryl Newcombe reports.

“It’s re-election time,” said an upbeat Elizabeth Peloza after filing her nomination papers seeking a third term as the councillor representing Ward 12.

“I do have a track record of eight years,” Peloza said. “Residents will know if I’ve been accessible, if they feel that I worked hard for them, if I’ve helped pick up some of the extra weight on council with the different agencies, boards and commissions, and if I’ve been a good advocate for them.”

Ward 12’s boundary was adjusted since the last election, reducing some of the rural areas south of Highway 401, but it remains centered around White Oaks and its adjacent neighbourhoods.

A week into the nomination period for the 2026 Municipal Election, Peloza is already facing her first challenger, 19-year-old author, entrepreneur and Western University engineering student Ribal Zebian.

“The reasons why I’m going to be running [is] to create a new framework for the homeless people, to respect the taxpayers’ taxes, to ensure that everybody is working, [and] everybody is providing for the economy,” Zebian explained.

He says voters will be able to consider his plan to address homelessness and food production in the community and ease the financial burden on property taxes.

“You don’t need to go to taxpayers and say we need to jack up the taxes so that we could [provide] for this. Essentially, its being more efficient with [the] budget,” Zebian added.

Peloza acknowledges the recent tax increases but explains her role as budget chair focuses on meeting legislative requirements and ensuring open and transparent engagement with the public.

“Some of the increases we saw, I wasn’t happy with either,” she admitted. “I’ll also note that it’s a strong mayor’s budget with how the provincial powers have been legislated.”

Peloza spoke publicly about having surgery for breast cancer last winter and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

She continues to participate as a member of several committees at city hall and as a council representative on external boards.

She suggests her health journey might change how she campaigns, but not her commitment to Ward 12.

“This campaign might be a little bit different, you’ll see some canvassers out in different groups with me,” she said. “If anything, I hope that me being so public about my journey and my story has helped to show my strength to Londoners. That even while going through a difficult and challenging personal situation, I still try to find a way to uplift and help the community.”

Zebian acknowledges Peloza’s service to the community saying, “When I see somebody providing service and support, I give them my utmost respect.”

The nomination period for candidates to register in the 2026 Municipal Election ends Aug. 21.

Londoners go to the polls on Oct. 26.