Scugog’s 2026 municipal election field is officially set

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: The field of candidates is now set for the 2026 municipal election in Scugog Township, with 24 people officially entering the race for mayor, regional councillor and five ward councillor positions.

Nomination day passed, on Friday, August 21st, giving residents a clear picture of the choices they will face when they head to the polls in October.

The mayor’s race features the largest field, with six candidates seeking to lead Scugog for the next four-year term.

Incumbent Mayor Wilma Wotten is seeking re-election and will face challenges from Charles Deane, David Whitfield, current Regional Councillor Ian McDougall, Jack Doak, and Mike Coll.

The regional councillor race has also attracted a competitive field. Allan Honey, Patricia Conlin, Richard Park, and Terry Coyne are seeking the position currently held by Ian McDougall.

At the ward level, Ward 1 Councillor, David Le Roy is seeking another term and will face Scott Blachar.

Ward 2 will see Alisa Cole and Richard Hinton compete for the seat currently held by Janna Guido.

Three candidates are vying for the Ward 3 seat currently held by Robert Rock. Don Kett, Rosario Greco, and Sean Taylor have all entered the race.

Ward 4 features a two-candidate contest, with incumbent Harold Wright facing Brad Martyn.

The Ward 5 race will feature three candidates: Janna Guido, Marion Meyers, and Stephen Kotyck. The seat is currently held by Terry Coyne.

The completed candidate slate sets up contested races for every municipal position on the ballot, in Scugog, with no ward or senior council race going uncontested.

The election campaign will now move into its final stretch, giving candidates the opportunity to outline their priorities and giving residents a chance to compare the platforms and experience of those seeking office.

Among the issues expected to feature prominently during the campaign are growth and development, infrastructure, roads, recreation, taxation and the delivery of municipal services.

Scugog continues to face the challenges associated with growth while balancing infrastructure needs and service delivery, across its urban and rural communities. The decisions made by the next council will help shape the Township's direction over the coming four years. Scugog will offer both internet and in-person voting for the election. Online voting will open October 14th at 10 a.m. and remain available until election day, on Monday, October 26th, at 8 p.m.

Residents will also be able to vote in person at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre, Greenbank Hall, Blackstock Recreation Complex, and Scugog Island Hall. Advance voting opportunities begin October 16th, with additional dates available before election day.

Scugog voters can cast their ballot at any of the designated voting locations,, in Scugog, regardless of where they qualify to vote.

Voter Information Packages are expected to be delivered in early October to residents who are on the voters' list.

The Township is encouraging residents to ensure their voter information is accurate and up to date, particularly those who have recently moved or changed their name.