Lead Local: Municipal candidate engagement event set for April 2026

Municipalities across Waterloo Region are coming together to invite hopeful municipal election candidates to learn how to run for office.

The Lead Local: Municipal Election Candidate Engagement Event is designed to broaden awareness of the October 26, 2026, municipal election process and support individuals considering running for office. The event will take place on April 23, 2026, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum.

“Municipal government works best when people with different perspectives and backgrounds decide to get involved," said Natalia Chebel, Deputy City Clerk for the City of Waterloo. "This event will help potential candidates understand more about the election process and what it is really like to run for local council. Former elected officials will be available to answer questions and share their experience. If you’re considering becoming a candidate in this year’s municipal election, this is a great place to start.”

This in-person event aims to amplify messaging, provide guidance to potential candidates, and foster diversity in local governance. Attendees will benefit from formal presentations by experts and elected officials, followed by informal breakout sessions for networking and engagement.

Event highlights include:

• Keynote presentations on the Municipal Elections Act & Provincial Guides by Payton Ebel, Municipal Advisor, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Municipal Government 101 by John Mascarin, Partner, Aird and Berlis.
• Panel discussion featuring retired local elected officials, sharing campaign insights and lessons learned.
• Breakout sessions with Area Municipal Returning Officers on candidate nomination processes and voting procedures.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure equitable representation in municipal politics by connecting aspiring candidates with resources and support networks.

For more information, please visit the Eventbrite page.