In just three weeks, the nomination period will officially open for municipal candidates. May 1, 2026 is the date to mark on your calendar. If you are considering a run, now is the time to reflect not only on why you want to serve, but on what the role truly demands.
I was fortunate to have incumbents share this information with me, and so now is my turn to share it with others. I’ve said many times in my posts that municipal politics is the most accessible level of government, but it is also one of the most personal. Council decisions shape daily life in very real ways, and that comes with both responsibility and pressure.
Before you file your nomination papers, here are some important realities to consider:
1. The Time Commitment Is Real
Council meetings are only the visible part of the job. Meeting preparation, committee work, emails and phone calls, community events, and endless reading can quickly turn a “part-time” role into so much more.
2. Your Privacy Will Change
Running for office, especially if you win, means stepping into the public eye. Your decisions, your words, and sometimes even your personal life will be subject to scrutiny in ways most people never experience. Dashing to the corner store in pyjama pants is a thing of the past.
3. Criticism Comes With the Role
Not every decision you make will be popular. In fact, many won’t be. Decisions and votes on issues you thought were straightforward will suddenly alienate a special interest group and you’ll be sure to hear how unhappy they are about the outcome. Expect criticism, and at times, frustration directed at you personally. While much of it is constructive, some of it can cross the line into hostility or harassment.
4. You Can’t Please Everyone
Municipal leadership involves balancing competing interests with limited resources. Every vote creates both supporters and detractors. Learning to make thoughtful decisions, even when they’re unpopular, is essential. Be ready to articulate why you voted the way you did, and more importantly, explain the reason for your viewpoint.
5. The Learning Curve Is Steep
Municipal governance involves legislation, budgets, planning frameworks, and jurisdictional limits. Understanding what a municipality can, and cannot do is critical to being effective. I highly recommend finding a municipal mentor.
The election takes place in October with inauguration following in mid-November. In some cases you’ll be faced with budget meetings, debate, and votes in December, so be ready to drink from a firehose of information.
6. Relationships Matter
Success on council depends on collaboration. You’ll need to work with fellow councillors, staff, community stakeholders, and other levels of government. Strong interpersonal skills are not optional.
7. It’s a Commitment to Community, Not Control
The role of councillor (or mayor) is not about your personal agenda. It’s about stewardship. The best councillors listen more than they speak and approach decisions with a community-wide lens. If you are campaigning on one personal pet project, you’ll be lost 99.9% of the term of council when that issue is shadowed by the real business of the City.
8. Campaigning Takes Effort (and Resources)
Even before election day, candidates must invest time, energy, and often personal funds into campaigning. Knocking on doors, attending events, and building name recognition all require sustained effort. Are you ready to ask for donations? Do you have a well thought out platform that residents can relate to? You’ll need a robust plan to communicate your strengths and ideas to the community before they walk into a voting booth.
My Final Thoughts
There’s no question that the work is demanding. It requires resilience, patience, and a willingness to navigate complex issues under constant public scrutiny. But if you are committed to this community, it is equally rewarding. Few roles offer the opportunity to make such a tangible, lasting impact on the place you call home.
Running for municipal office is one of the most direct ways to shape your community’s future. It can be deeply rewarding, but it is not easy. If you’re considering it, take the next three weeks to have honest conversations with your family, your employer, and yourself. Understand the weight of the role, not just the opportunity, because serving on council, WILL affect those around you.
On May 1st, when nominations open, the question is no longer “Should I run?”, it becomes “Am I ready to serve?”