With just one week remaining for potential candidates to submit their paperwork for the upcoming municipal election this fall, time is running out. The election, scheduled for Oct. 26, will see voting for various positions including city and township councillors, mayors, and school board trustees. In addition, residents of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge will also cast their votes for regional councillors.

Natalia Chebel, the deputy clerk and manager of legislative services for the City of Waterloo, emphasized the importance of submitting paperwork promptly to avoid last-minute issues. Candidates are required to gather signatures, provide identification and proof of residency, and pay a fee to run for office — $200 for mayoral candidates and $100 for other positions.

Nomination papers will be accepted until 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, as per the legislative timeline. The list of candidates vying for positions in Waterloo region is steadily growing, with various races unfolding in the local communities.

Notably, there will be a significant change in this fall’s election in Waterloo region as voters will not directly elect a regional chair. Instead, the next regional chair will be appointed by Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack after the election. The province has invited applications for the role, sparking speculation that a local elected mayor may be chosen to also serve as the regional chair.

In Cambridge, Mayor Jan Liggett is seeking a second term with four other candidates running against her. Meanwhile, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic in Kitchener is contesting for a fourth term against three other candidates. In Waterloo, Mayor Dorothy McCabe is running unopposed for a second term while other councillors have announced their decisions regarding re-election.

Across different municipalities in the region, various candidates are stepping forward to run for office, setting the stage for an engaging and competitive municipal election this fall.