Dear Friend,

 

GTA Election Shake-Up: 13 New Mayors, New Councils & What It Means for Builders and Developers

 

Ontario's October 26 municipal elections have brought significant changes across the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding municipalities. These results will help shape the future of housing construction, development approvals, zoning, infrastructure investment and government procurement over the next four years.

 

According to preliminary election reporting, 13 new mayors have been elected across the GTA and surrounding areas, while 14 incumbent mayors have secured re-election.

 

For developers, builders, contractors, engineering firms and construction suppliers, the incoming councils will make important decisions affecting development costs, project approvals and future investment.

 

Major Election Results Across the GTA

 

Toronto – Olivia Chow Re-elected

Mayor Olivia Chow has secured another term, with seven new councillors joining Toronto City Council. Housing affordability, development approvals, traffic congestion and infrastructure investment will remain major issues.

 

Among the notable council changes, former MP Nate Erskine-Smith was elected in Beaches–East York, former MP Shaun Chen was elected in Scarborough North, and former councillor Mike Layton returns in University–Rosedale. Nick Mantas was re-elected in Scarborough–Agincourt.

 

Mississauga – Alvin Tedjo Elected Mayor

 

In one of the region's most significant changes, Alvin Tedjo defeated incumbent Carolyn Parrish and former mayor Bonnie Crombie.

 

Tedjo has proposed creating a Mississauga Housing Corporation, allowing six-storey developments along major roads, expanding sixplex housing, accelerating planning approvals and continuing development-charge incentives. These proposals could have important implications for residential and mixed-use development.

 

Oakville – Jeff Knoll Elected Mayor

 

Longtime Mayor Rob Burton was defeated by Councillor Jeff Knoll. Developers should monitor the new administration's approach to Midtown Oakville, intensification, infrastructure and municipal planning policies.

 

Milton – George Minakakis Elected Mayor

 

After decades in office, longtime Mayor Gordon Krantz was defeated. Several council seats have also changed hands. Milton's continued residential and commercial growth makes infrastructure, servicing capacity and development approvals particularly important.

 

Clarington – Tom Dingwall Elected Mayor

 

Incumbent Adrian Foster was defeated by Tom Dingwall. Residential expansion, employment lands, infrastructure and municipal approvals will be important areas to watch.

 

Other Important GTA Results

• Brampton: Patrick Brown re-elected.
• Vaughan: Steven Del Duca re-elected, with all existing councillors returning.
• Markham: Frank Scarpitti re-elected for a sixth term.
• Richmond Hill: David West and the entire council re-elected.
• Burlington: Marianne Meed Ward re-elected, with four new councillors.
• Ajax: Marilyn Crawford elected mayor.
• Oshawa: Tito-Dante Marimpietri elected mayor.
• Caledon: Christina Early reported elected mayor.
• Halton Hills: Jason Brass elected mayor.
• East Gwillimbury: Scott Crone elected mayor.
• Scugog: Ian McDougall elected mayor.

 

Simcoe County and Surrounding Communities

 

New mayors were also elected in Bradford West Gwillimbury, Innisfil and New Tecumseth. Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall and Collingwood Mayor Yvonne Hamlin secured re-election.

 

These growing communities remain important markets for residential development, industrial construction and infrastructure investment.

 

What Does This Mean for the Construction Industry?

 

1. Development Approvals and Zoning

New councils may introduce different approaches to planning, intensification, rezoning and site-plan approvals. Companies with active projects should monitor changes in municipal priorities and approval processes.

 

2. Development Charges and Construction Costs

Development charges, municipal fees, property taxes and infrastructure costs directly affect project viability. Incoming councils will make important financial and budget decisions beginning in 2027.

 

3. Housing and Residential Development

With continued pressure to increase housing supply, municipalities will face decisions concerning higher-density development, affordable housing, building approvals and infrastructure capacity.

 

4. Infrastructure Projects and Procurement

Roads, bridges, transit, water and wastewater systems, public buildings and community facilities will continue to present opportunities for construction companies, contractors and suppliers.

 

5. Federal and Provincial Government Funding

Municipal infrastructure and housing projects often depend on provincial and federal funding. Companies should monitor new government programs, infrastructure commitments, incentives and procurement opportunities.

 

New Councils Bring New Opportunities and Challenges

 

Over the coming months, newly elected mayors and councillors will establish their priorities, review municipal budgets and make decisions affecting development and infrastructure.

 

For construction companies, now is an important time to review outstanding projects, understand the incoming councils' priorities and establish productive relationships with municipal decision-makers.

 

How GTA Strategies Can Help

 

GTA Strategies was actively involved in numerous municipal election campaigns across Ontario, providing political campaign services and working with candidates and their teams. Through this involvement, we have strengthened longstanding relationships and established new connections across the municipal political landscape.

 

With decades of experience and established relationships at all three levels of government, GTA Strategies assists developers, builders and construction companies with municipal approvals, rezoning, government relations, infrastructure and procurement opportunities, grants, funding incentives and business development.

 

As new municipal councils take office, our experience, relationships and understanding of government can help your business navigate municipal processes, engage decision-makers and advance your projects.

The elections may be over, but the decisions that will shape Ontario's construction industry for the next four years are just beginning.

Election results reflect preliminary reporting available October 27, 2026, and remain subject to official municipal confirmation.

 

Contact us to discuss how we can assist, we look forward to hearing from you.

Please reach out to us at info@gtastrategies.com or (888) 241 9948 ext 1.

 

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Thank you,