In the upcoming 2026 election, voters in St. Catharines, Hamilton, and Burlington share a common desire – many want to see significant changes at the local government level.
What are the key issues that are influencing how residents will vote?
In St. Catharines, concerns about flooding infrastructure and safety are major topics of discussion.
“The property tax rate has gone up quite a bit since we’ve lived here, and the flooding concerns. The mayor, I know, said he had the province come in and help, but I don’t know what they did,” says a voter.
“We’ve had a lot of infrastructure problems with the flooding in the old section of the city, so that’s been huge,” says one resident.
“Safety is number one priority. I feel safe in most neighborhoods, but there are also areas where I would not go,” adds another resident.
Voters in Hamilton mention issues ranging from property taxes to AI data centres as top concerns.
“The property taxes, the traffic grid in Waterdown, infrastructure … and hoping for a change,” says a voter.
“Housing affordability,” says a resident.
“Taxes and security in our area,” notes another Hamiltonian.
“AI data centres. We want to make sure that if one is built, people living there receive some compensation for any increases in electricity and water prices,” shares a young citizen.
: Everything you need to know about Burlington’s 2026 municipal election
Burlington residents highlight high-rise buildings, property taxes, and transparency as their main voting issues.
“Too many high rises, too much traffic, and more transparency,” states one voter.
“For councillors and the mayor to be more fiscally responsible,” mentions a resident.
“Lower taxes and more transparency with government,” adds another local.
“Not having taxes go up too much; here in this part of Burlington there are too many high rises planned,” remarks another person.
The majority of voters CHCH News spoke with on election day expressed hope for changes around their city’s council table.
“The entire council needs new members who aren’t politicians running things,” suggests one voter.
“Especially at the top,” agrees another individual.
“Well, we’d like to see some change. They make promises – we’ll see if they keep those promises they make,” states another person.
“Change is good. New blood brings new ideas,” emphasizes a voter.
: Everything you need to know about Hamilton’s 2026 municipal election
Source link
