Key dates, candidates and what residents need to know
St. Catharines residents are gearing up for the municipal election on Oct. 26, 2026, with nomination filings set to close at 2 p.m. on Aug. 21. The city’s online election page is being updated as hopefuls submit their paperwork, offering voters a centralized place to review who is running for mayor, regional council and local ward seats.
Incumbent Mayor Mat Siscoe announced in July that he will seek re-election after first taking office in November 2022. Siscoe, who previously represented St. Patrick’s Ward on council from 2010 until January 2022, established the St. Catharines OutReach and Engagement Fund (SCORE), a local initiative that supports community non-profits.
"The timeline set by the city means residents will have several weeks to consider candidates before they cast ballots in October," said the city’s public information release on candidate listings.
Mayoral contenders and platforms on record
As the nomination window approaches its deadline, several candidates are listed on the city’s candidate portal. Those currently identified in the mayoral race include:
- Mat Siscoe — incumbent mayor seeking another term.
- Anthony A. Adeoye — campaigned on public safety, small-business supports, improved municipal services and responsible growth; describes himself as a community-focused leader and business professional.
- Henry Bosch
- Jimmy Jackson — previously ran for Niagara Centre MPP with the New Blue party.
- Ann-Marie Zammit — emphasises downtown cleanup, attainable housing, redevelopment of the former General Motors lands and stronger regional representation.
These names reflect those listed on the city’s alphabetical roster; the portal will continue to change as candidates file or withdraw before the Aug. 21 cutoff.
Ward races: incumbents, challengers and neighbourhood boundaries
The city’s ward maps and candidate lists give voters an early look at local contests that will decide neighbourhood representation on council. The published candidate slate includes the following samples by ward (boundaries as defined by the city):
| Ward | Sample Candidates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ward 1 — Merritton | Matt Aymar; Geoffrey (Geoff) Crane; Jacqueline (Jackie) Lindal (incumbent) | Bounded by Jacobson Ave., Hwy. 406, Geneva St., Welland Ave., QEW and the Welland Canal. |
| Ward 2 — St. Andrew’s | Jim Adair; Bryan Blue; Noel Buckley; Adriana Clifford; Matthew (Matt) Harris (incumbent) | Includes St. David’s Rd., 15 Mile Creek and parts of the city near Hwy. 406. |
| Ward 3 — St. George’s | Alexander Miller; Sal Sorrento; Mark Stevens (incumbent); Kevin Townsend (incumbent); Kate Werneburg | Bounded by Eastchester Ave. East, QEW, Welland Ave., Geneva St., Scott St. and the Welland Canal. |
The municipal candidate pages list people in alphabetical order by last name and will post separate, ward-by-ward lists as the campaign progresses.
What this means for voters and local issues
For many St. Catharines residents the stakes are practical: decisions made by the incoming council will affect local infrastructure, housing policy, downtown revitalization and transit planning. Ann-Marie Zammit’s focus on the former GM site and downtown cleanliness flags concerns about redevelopment and urban management that have been discussed at council for years. Other candidates are emphasising public safety and municipal service delivery, signalling that these will be central talking points during the campaign.
Voters should also note that the nomination deadline gives campaigns limited time to finalise platforms and reach neighbourhoods. With filings closing in late August, the next several weeks will be critical for debates, door-knocking and candidate information sessions.
How to stay informed
- Check the City of St. Catharines election webpage for the latest candidate lists and official notices.
- Attend public debates and community meetings to hear candidates’ positions on local issues.
- Watch for mailings and online resources that explain voting options, advance polling and where to vote on Oct. 26.
With the clock ticking toward Oct. 26, 2026, residents have a short window to evaluate candidates before ballots are cast. The city’s online resources and community forums will play a central role in helping voters decide who will lead St. Catharines through the next municipal term.
