Prior to the municipal election on October 26, kawarthaNOW has published 29 stories about mayoral and councillor candidates in the City of Peterborough and the candidates running for office in each of the eight municipalities that form Peterborough County.
In the City of Peterborough, the stories include interviews with each of the seven mayoral candidates, along with questions for the mayor candidates on key issues affecting the city, with responses published in their own words. For the candidates running in each of the city’s five wards, the stories include introductions to the platforms of each candidate and questions on key issues affecting their wards and the city as a whole, with responses in their own words.
Similarly, for the candidates for mayor, deputy mayor, and councillor in each of the eight Peterborough County municipalities — Township of Asphodel-Norwood, Township of Cavan Monaghan, Township of Douro-Dummer, Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Township of North Kawartha, Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan, Township of Selwyn, and Municipality of Trent Lakes — kawarthaNOW has published in-their-own-words responses to the question “Why are you running for council and what makes you a unique candidate?”
With internet and telephone voting underway in the City of Peterborough as of October 5 and, in the individual municipalities in Peterborough County, as of Tuesday (October 13), kawarthaNOW has consolidated its coverage below for the convenience of voters.
Introduction to City of Peterborough mayoral candidates
‘We need somebody who’s mayor, not king’: Dr. Michael Eamon joins Peterborough’s mayoral race
By Paul Rellinger | May 1, 2026
Longtime Traill College principal and first-time candidate calls himself a ‘non-politician politician’ who will nurture consensus at city hall.
Longtime Peterborough city councillor Keith Riel makes his run for mayor official
By Paul Rellinger | May 1, 2026
78-year-old East City resident and retired GE worker enters the race with a six-point platform and sharp criticism of Mayor Jeff Leal’s leadership.
Rebecca Schillemat enters Peterborough mayoral race with focus on affordability, housing, and jobs
By Paul Rellinger | May 2, 2026
Former home builders’ association executive wants ‘to make this a city that has a future for my children and for future generations’.
Mayoral candidate Neil Morton says Peterborough can become ‘one of the great Canadian cities’
By Jeannine Taylor | May 4, 2026
Lifelong entrepreneur’s ‘bold, emphatic’ vision includes economic prosperity, downtown revitalization, and regional cooperation.
At 21, Jacob Méthot wants to bring a ‘fresh perspective’ to Peterborough’s mayoral race
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | July 2, 2026
The Trent University student says his campaign is focused on transparency, housing affordability, transit, and engaging younger voters in municipal politics.
From frequent council delegate to mayoral contender, Rob Hailman wants to change Peterborough’s priorities
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | September 9, 2026
Officially launching his campaign on September 14, the longtime citizen advocate makes the case for investment in transit, public housing, and community services.
Brian Lumsden again puts opioid crisis at centre of his second Peterborough mayoral campaign
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | September 30, 2026
One of seven candidates in the October 26 election, Lumsden proposes involuntary residential treatment, changes at Trinity Community Centre, and a lower mayoral salary.
Questions for City of Peterborough mayoral candidates
Peterborough’s mayoral candidates outline their plans for jobs, business growth, and downtown renewal
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | September 21, 2026
Seven contenders answer kawarthaNOW’s questions on economic development and strengthening the downtown’s economy, public safety, and quality of life
How will Peterborough’s next mayor tackle housing affordability and homelessness?
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | September 25, 2026
Ahead of the October 26 election, seven mayoral candidates share their approaches to neighbourhood growth, affordable housing, and mental health and addictions supports.
Peterborough’s mayoral candidates share their approaches to taxes, services, and infrastructure
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | October 3, 2026
Ahead of the October 26 election, the seven contenders explain how they would manage property tax increases, set spending priorities, and pay for needed improvements.
Peterborough’s mayoral candidates outline their approaches to leadership and accountability
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | October 9, 2026
Seven contenders share their first 100-day priorities, proposals to restore public confidence at city hall, and positions on using strong mayor powers.
Introduction to City of Peterborough ward candidates
Peterborough Otonabee Ward candidates introduce their campaigns ahead of October’s municipal election
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | July 4, 2026
With both incumbents seeking re-election and two challengers on the ballot, kawarthaNOW begins a multi-part councillor candidate series with Ward 1.
Peterborough Monaghan Ward candidates introduce their campaigns ahead of October’s municipal election
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | July 7, 2026
With one incumbent seeking re-election so far and five challengers on the ballot, kawarthaNOW continues a multi-part councillor candidate series with Ward 2.
Peterborough Town Ward candidates introduce their campaigns ahead of October’s municipal election
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | July 12, 2026
With two incumbents seeking re-election and two challengers on the ballot, kawarthaNOW continues a multi-part councillor candidate series with Ward 3.
Peterborough Ashburnham Ward candidates introduce their campaigns ahead of October’s municipal election
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | July 20, 2026
With one incumbent seeking re-election and three challengers on the ballot, kawarthaNOW continues a multi-part councillor candidate series with Ward 4.
Peterborough Northcrest Ward candidates introduce their campaigns ahead of October’s municipal election
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | July 28, 2026
With one incumbent seeking re-election and six challengers on the ballot, kawarthaNOW continues a multi-part councillor candidate series with Ward 5.
Questions for City of Peterborough ward candidates
Peterborough ward candidates lay out their visions for the city’s economic future
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | August 7, 2026
As part of a multi-story series on the municipal election, kawarthaNOW asks ward candidates how Peterborough should approach economic development strategies and opportunities.
Peterborough ward candidates weigh in on housing intensification across the city
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | August 11, 2026
As part of a multi-story series on the municipal election, kawarthaNOW asks ward candidates about intensification both in established neighbourhoods and city wide.
Peterborough ward candidates outline their priorities for transportation and active transportation
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | August 16, 2026
Latest instalment in kawarthaNOW’s multi-story election series explores how candidates would improve public transit, road safety, cycling infrastructure, and more.
Peterborough ward candidates outline their financial priorities ahead of municipal election
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | August 19, 2026
Candidates discuss property taxes, responsible spending, economic growth, and the challenge of funding essential municipal services.
Peterborough ward candidates weigh neighbourhood advocacy against city-wide interests
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | August 23, 2026
Candidates running for council explain how they would balance representing their ward with making decisions for Peterborough as a whole.
Introduction to Peterborough County candidates (by municipality)
Township of Asphodel-Norwood candidates explain why they are running in the municipal election
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | August 27, 2026
First instalment in kawarthaNOW’s Peterborough County election series features candidates’ responses in their own words.
Township of Cavan Monaghan council hopefuls introduce their campaigns ahead of October election
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | August 29, 2026
Candidates in Peterborough County municipality discuss growth, affordability, rural identity, and accountable leadership.
Selwyn Township candidates tell voters why they are seeking office
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | September 1, 2026
One acclaimed incumbent and four candidates in contested ward races introduce their campaigns in Peterborough County’s most populous municipality.
Havelock-Belmont-Methuen council candidates make their case to voters
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | September 4, 2026
Election hopefuls in the Peterborough County township discuss community service, responsible decision-making, and planning for the municipality’s future.
North Kawartha candidates explain why they are running in the municipal election
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | September 7, 2026
Election hopefuls in the Peterborough County township discuss financial oversight, community involvement, and representation for year-round and seasonal residents.
Douro-Dummer municipal election candidates share their visions for the township’s future
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | September 11, 2026
Incumbents, former office-holders, and political newcomers discuss their priorities for the Peterborough County township ahead of the October 26 vote.
With three seats acclaimed, Otonabee-South Monaghan municipal election race is down to mayor and one councillor position
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | September 12, 2026
Scott Tower is challenging Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark for township mayor, with Joe Crowley and Tara Loucks competing for councillor at large.
Trent Lakes candidates set out their priorities ahead of October 26 municipal election
By Bethan Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | September 14, 2026
Candidates in the Peterborough County municipality address fiscal responsibility, public service, economic development, and environmental protection.
