The 2026 election is unusually important for Haliburton County because the incoming councils will serve during the period (November 15, 2026 through November 14, 2030) when decisions arising from the EORN governance study are expected to be considered. Those we elect this fall will be faced with answering: How can Haliburton County provide sustainable, affordable municipal services while maintaining appropriate local representation and community identity?
There are several opportunities in early September to meet and speak with the candidates running for Councilor and Mayor in your district. Please consider attending one of these meetings, and follow The Highlander and What the Haliburton podcast for more information from the candidates.
Highlands East:
Saturday, September 5
- 9:30 am - 11:00 am
- Lloyd Watson Centre, 2249 Loop, Wilberforce
- Registration is requested!
- *Hosted by the Highlands East Lake Organization (HELO)
Saturday, September 12
- 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
- Cardiff Community Centre, 2747 Monck Rd Cardiff
- *Hosted by the Haliburton Highlands Healthy Democracy Project (HHHDP)
Dysart et al:
Saturday, October 3
- 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
- Haliburton Legion
- 719 Mountain St. Haliburton
- *Hosted by the Haliburton Highlands Healthy Democracy Project (HHHDP)
Remember, who we elect this fall will be making critical decisions for the governance of our region, including:
- Who makes planning and zoning decisions.
- How municipal taxes are structured.
- How roads and infrastructure are managed.
- Where municipal services are administered.
- How fire, recreation, waste and other services are organized.
- The number and geographic structure of elected representatives.
- The balance between County-wide decision-making and local community representation.
