As October 26th – the final date of municipal elections across the eight municipalities of Durham approaches – some of the mostly apathetic residents have been energized, with one even asking the province to make it mandatory for elected officials to pass an exam on municipal laws, rules and regulations.
“I request that your ministry create an education program for all elected local officials in 2026,” said Durham resident Jim McEwen, in a letter to Robert Flack, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. A copy of the letter was sent to Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s office.
“I further suggest that all elected officials including mayors must take and pass this program before they are sworn into office in 2027,” he said.
There should be no exemptions for incumbents returned to office, he emphasized.
The Durham resident suggested that the education program could concentrate on:
- The local planning process
- Zoning Bylaws
- Official Plans and Secondary Plans
- Key aspects of the Ontario Planning Act, including proper public engagement
- 5.0 The Greenbelt and associated Legislation
- Ethics in Council decisions
This program could be offered in person and online.
“I consider this program to be essential as most new officials have no municipal experience and incumbents would benefit from a refresher course,” McEwen added.
Will Voter Turnout Improve This Time?
The political field is crowded 9see below) and there has been some debate, especially on social media, but past polling results have indicated voters just don’t have the energy to translate thought and speech into action.
The largest municipality, the City of Oshawa, has 151,945 eligible voters so far with new additions to the voters’ list expected on the last day of polling. However, in the 2022 municipal and school board elections, just 18.42 per cent of eligible Oshawa voters cast a vote.
Voting ends on October 26th with the exception for the Regional Chair and CEO, who will now be appointed by the province. The selection is expected to be announced early November.
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