Hamilton Municipal Election 2026 Resource Centre

Hamilton is at a crossroads.

Our city is facing a housing affordability crisis, rising property taxes, growing infrastructure needs, and increasing concerns about the pace and effectiveness of decision-making at City Hall. Residents, housing providers, businesses, and taxpayers are all feeling the impact.

The decisions made by City Council directly affect the cost of housing, the speed at which new homes can be built, the taxes paid by residents and businesses, and the overall economic health of our community. Yet municipal elections consistently attract lower voter turnout than provincial or federal elections, despite their significant impact on our daily lives.

The Hamilton & District Apartment Association (HDAA) has created this Election Resource Centre to help voters stay informed, hold elected officials accountable, and engage in the issues that will shape Hamilton's future.

Why This Election Matters

Hamilton needs leadership that is focused on results.

For too long, housing supply has failed to keep pace with demand, making it harder for families, young professionals, seniors, and newcomers to find homes they can afford. Excessive red tape, lengthy approval timelines, and increasing development costs have contributed to a shortage of housing options across the city.

At the same time, residents continue to face significant property tax increases while expecting responsible stewardship of public funds and better outcomes from municipal government.

This election provides an opportunity for voters to evaluate whether current policies are working and whether City Hall is delivering the accountability, transparency, and results that Hamilton deserves.

The HDAA believes that a stronger Hamilton requires:

More housing of all types and at all price points
Faster approvals and less unnecessary bureaucracy
Responsible taxation and fiscal accountability
Transparent decision-making and measurable results
Policies that support investment, growth, and economic prosperity

These issues affect everyone, whether you rent, own a home, operate a business, or provide housing in our community.

Key Election Dates

Nomination Period Opens: May 1, 2026
Nomination Deadline: August 21, 2026 at 2 pm
Advance Voting: October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18
Ballot on Demand @ City Hall: October 13 to 16 & 19 to 23 - Open to voters of all wards
Election Day: October 26, 2026

Election Resources

Hamilton Key Dates & Register to Vote: https://www.hamilton.ca/city-council/municipal-election

List of Candidates:
https://www.hamilton.ca/city-council/municipal-election/candidates-third-party-advertisers/candidates

Rental licensing

New regulations

Vacant Unit Tax

Private rental investment

Development approvals

Explicitly opposes it

Critical of added costs and burdens

Critical of the tax and its impact on rents

Emphasizes reducing taxes and regulatory costs

Focuses on affordability and government policy

Get Involved

Municipal elections are decided by those who participate.

You can make a difference by:

Voting on Election Day
Learning about the candidates and their positions
Attending debates and community events
Asking candidates where they stand on housing, affordability, taxation, and accountability
Volunteering for a campaign
Encouraging friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours to vote

The future of Hamilton will be shaped by the choices voters make in this election. An informed and engaged electorate is essential to building a city that is more affordable, more accountable, and better positioned for long-term success.

Your vote matters. Use it.

How Councillors Voted

Hamilton Council Watch:
https://www.hamiltoncouncilwatch.ca/

City of Hamilton Residential Property Tax Increases

Year Residential Tax Increase

2020 2.9%

2021 1.9%

2022 2.8%

2023 5.8%

2024 5.79%

2025 5.6%

2026 Mayoral Candidate Stances

At a glance: how they differ on rental housing

‍ ‍

Issue Rob Cooper Keanin Loomis Andrea Horwath

Rob Cooper

Overall emphasis: reducing the financial burden of municipal policy on rental housing providers and taxpayers.

Opposes rental licensing: At the HDAA’s September 9 meeting, Cooper stated directly that he does not support the rental licensing program. He criticized the program’s application to selected wards, raising concerns about potential discrimination and its impact on particular demographics.
Argues regulation increases rents: He said property taxes and municipal programs such as rental licensing and the Vacant Unit Tax contribute to higher rents because landlords must account for those costs.
Critical of the Vacant Unit Tax: Cooper questioned the policy’s effectiveness and the consequences of additional costs being passed on to tenants.
Wants greater housing affordability: His housing comments have included changes to federal mortgage stress-test rules, arguing they make homeownership harder to attain.
Calls for changes in municipal policy: He has argued that poor government policy contributes to affordability problems and broader neighbourhood challenges.

Wants existing regulations reviewed; no blanket repeal commitment

Wants cost-impact assessments and scrutiny of duplication

Proposes shifting to a declaration-based model and assessing costs and benefits

Emphasizes investment conditions, fewer barriers, and provider consultation

Strong emphasis on faster approvals and reducing red tape

Keanin Loomis

Overall emphasis: improving the investment environment, reviewing regulations, speeding up approvals, and making City Hall more accountable.

Wants a review of existing regulations: Every existing regulation should be assessed, with attention to whether it solves a real problem, duplicates other requirements, and creates unnecessary costs for housing providers.
Supports faster, more predictable approvals: His stated priorities include clearer service standards, better coordination across City departments, and removing unnecessary barriers and delays to development.
Would give housing providers a voice in policymaking: He committed to having responsible housing providers participate in discussions alongside tenants and community representatives.
Questions the current Vacant Unit Tax model: Loomis proposed shifting toward a system in which owners declare vacant units, rather than requiring every property owner to declare that their property is occupied. He also questioned whether the program’s benefits justify its costs.

Permanent program was approved during her administration

Has continued municipal housing initiatives

The tax is part of the City's current policy framework

Emphasizes affordable housing partnerships and preserving existing housing

Defends her administration's housing delivery and planning decisions

Andrea Horwath

Overall emphasis: expanding affordable and supportive housing, preserving existing housing, and continuing municipal housing initiatives.

Supports municipal involvement in affordable housing: She has defended the City's role in facilitating affordable housing development, including making difficult planning decisions when necessary to move projects forward.
Emphasizes preserving existing housing: At the October 2026 Hamilton is Home housing forum, she highlighted rental preservation and the City's efforts to prevent evictions and help residents remain housed.
Her administration's regulatory context includes rental licensing and Safe Apartment Buildings: Council approved permanent rental licensing in December 2025, initially covering the pilot areas, and the Safe Apartment Buildings By-law took effect January 1, 2026.
Supports continued housing development and intensification: She has defended her administration's approach to approving and building housing, arguing that leadership sometimes requires moving projects forward despite local opposition.

HDAA 2026 Municipal Election Candidate Questionnaire

The Hamilton & District Apartment Association (HDAA) invited all mayoral and City Council candidates in the 2026 Municipal Election to share their positions on issues that directly impact housing supply, affordability, rental housing, and Hamilton’s local tax base.

We are pleased to share the responses received to help our members and the broader community make informed decisions at the ballot box.

View the questionnaire here and the candidate responses below to learn more about where candidates stand on the issues affecting Hamilton’s rental housing sector and the city’s future.

Mayoral Candidates:

Ward 2:

Ward 3:

Ward 5:

Ward 10: