A recent survey indicates that as Londoners gear up for the 2026 municipal election, they’re particularly concerned about several pressing urban issues, with homelessness and visible drug use at the forefront.
CBC London gathered over 200 responses through an online questionnaire where residents shared which issues would most influence their voting decisions. Participants were allowed to choose up to five priorities.
Though this survey isn’t scientific, it provides an early glimpse into what engaged London voters care about as the campaign kicks off.
Here are the top 10 concerns based on how often they were mentioned:
Homelessness/encampments (135 mentions) Open drug use (99) Road infrastructure/traffic (92) Property taxes (85) Crime/policing (75) Public transit (74) Downtown revitalization (72) Cost of living (64) Housing affordability (55) Climate/environment (55)
What the results suggest
The leading issues reveal a strong worry about visible social problems and city services, especially in areas like downtown and Old East Village.
The prominence of homelessness and drug use far surpasses affordability issues, highlighting how urgent these challenges feel to many respondents. While managing homelessness falls under provincial guidelines for policy and funding, it’s up to the city to decide how those resources should be used.
At the same time, concerns around infrastructure-including roads and public transit-and tax levels show that voters are also thinking about daily living conditions and household expenses. Additionally, housing affordability and cost of living reflect broader economic pressures facing residents.
The people who took part in the survey represented various wards across London with a diverse range of demographics; most were over 55 years old.
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Candidates line up to file their nomination papers at London city hall on Friday. Candidates have until August 25 register as candidates in the Oct. 26 municipal election. (Andrew Lupton/)
Who is running for council so far
<p According to the City of London’s nomination register, as of May 5, numerous candidates have already stepped forward for mayoral, council, and school board positions.
Twelve out of fourteen current councillors have expressed their intention to run again; however, Jerry Pribil in Ward 5 and Steven Hillier in Ward 14 won’t be seeking re-election.
Among those who’ve filed nomination papers are two former city councillors. Roger Caranci served three terms from 2000 until 2010 and ran for mayor in 2014. Stephen Orser represented Ward 4 from 2006 until 2014 but lost to Jesse Helmer during that election cycle. Orser has also competed for Ward 4 councillor in both 2018 and 2022.
Mayor
Josh Morgan Kirsten Krose John Feher
Selected council racesWard 1: Hadleigh Mc Alister, Roger Caranci Ward 2: Zack Ramsey Ward3: Ben Durham , Peter Cuddy Ward4: Tom Cull , Stephen Orser Ward5 : Corrine Rahman Ward6 : Ian Sterling Leishman Ward7 : Kamrul Ahsan , Jonathan Sher , German Gutierrez Ward8 : Steve Lehman Ward9 : Luke Thomas Ward10 : Alex Moore , Lois Margaret Ward11 : Skylar Franke Ward12 : Reebal Zebian Ward13 : David Ferreira , Nicholas Saika-Voivod , Stephen D’Amelio , Schelley Bisson Ward14: Sarah Lehman , Jason King
School board trusteeSherri Moore(Thames Valley District School Board – Wards7 ,8 ,9 ,10 ,13 )Gabe Pizzuti(London District Catholic School Board – Wards5 ,6 ,7 )Christine Morgan(Thames Valley District School Board – Wards1.11.12.14 )
There are changes to ward boundaries for the2026 election :
What happens next in theelection
The municipal election is still getting started since thenomination period began on May1. The listof candidatesis expectedto expand beforethe nomination period closes on Aug21.
Election signsare likelyto pop upalongsidecandidates going door-to-door fromlate summerthrough fall. Advanced votingstarts on Oct1 withelection dayon Oct26.
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