The municipal election on October 26, 2026 is an opportunity to shape the future of local climate action. With just four years to reach our 50by30 emissions target, we need to elect mayors and councillors that are passionate about climate change to get there.
It can sometimes feel that climate change is too big of a problem to tackle at the local level, but in reality, we need support from all levels of government – and cities are surprisingly well-positioned to take on climate action! In fact, municipalities have jurisdiction to influence half of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Municipal spheres of influence over different sources of GHG emissions.
From Partners for Climate Protection
This campaign cycle, we’re exploring why local elections matter and how candidates can advocate for solutions to the issues that matter most in Waterloo Region while reducing emissions and working to a more equitable, prosperous, and resilient low-carbon future.
Want to dive deeper? Check out our primer for candidates, Climate Action In All Policies, and see who has taken the Climate Candidate Pledge.
Local elections matter for affordability: Councils can help address the rising cost of living by supporting the development of high-density housing to increase supply and lower costs, partnering with upper levels of government to provide rebates for energy efficiency retrofits like RetrofitWR, and expanding public and active transportation networks for low-cost and low-carbon commuting options.
Local elections matter for the local economy: Local businesses face a lot of uncertainty – from rising costs, US tariffs, AI acceleration, and water infrastructure constraints, to new climate-related risks. Councils can support economic development, skills training, and business retention strategies to promote green job creation, local energy production, and emerging industries, making Waterloo Region a leader in the clean economy.
Local elections matter for transportation: We need robust and diverse transportation systems that can sustainably move one million residents around the region by 2050. Investing in low-carbon public and active transportation networks gives residents more affordable, more convenient, and more accessible ways to travel.
Local elections matter for neighbourhoods: As our population grows, we need to make sure Waterloo Region continues to be a healthy, safe, and enjoyable place to live. Councils can support walkable, compact, and transit-oriented developments that increase housing supply and improve access to restaurants, shops, services, and recreation, with better outcomes for physical, social, and mental wellbeing – all while lowering GHG emissions per household.
Local elections matter for public health: Climate change doesn’t just change weather patterns – extreme heat and precipitation, vector-borne diseases, and worsening air quality also pose risks to our physical, social and mental wellbeing. Councils can help us prepare for climate-related public health risks, with express support for groups that have greater vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.
On October 26, we hope you’ll vote and use your voice to elect regional and municipal councils that support a more equitable, prosperous, and resilient low-carbon future in Waterloo Region.
Get ready to vote by finding candidate lists and election information for your municipality at wrvotes.com.
