The 2026 Barrie municipal election is Monday, October 26, 2026.
Barrie residents will elect the city’s mayor, councillors representing each of Barrie’s 10 wards, and eligible school board trustees.
For residents of Ward 1, this election will also determine who represents the community on Barrie City Council for the next four-year term.
I’m Brent Bowser, and I’m running to be your next Ward 1 Councillor.
Why the 2026 Ward 1 Election Matters
Municipal elections have a direct impact on many of the services and decisions residents encounter every day.
Roads and sidewalks. Parks and trails. Transit. Development. Infrastructure. Property taxes. Public safety. City services.
These aren’t abstract political issues. They’re decisions that affect our neighbourhoods, our families and how we experience our city.
That’s why I believe it’s important for Ward 1 residents to learn about the candidates, ask questions and make an informed decision before casting their vote.
Ward 1 Will Elect a New Councillor
The 2026 election represents an important change for Ward 1.
Current Ward 1 Councillor Clare Riepma is not seeking another term, meaning residents will elect a new Ward 1 Councillor this October.
For me, that makes this campaign about more than asking residents for their vote.
It’s an opportunity to have a conversation about what Ward 1 needs from its next representative.
Brent Bowser for Ward 1 Councillor
I’m running because I believe Ward 1 deserves a councillor who is accessible, accountable and willing to listen before making decisions.
I spent 27 years at Honda Manufacturing, starting on the production line and eventually moving through engineering, quality and factory-side project management.
That experience shaped the approach I’m bringing to this campaign:
Learn. Understand. Act. Measure. Communicate.
When there’s a problem, I don’t believe the first step should be promising a solution.
The first step should be understanding what’s actually happening.
Then we can identify the gap, bring the right people together, develop a plan and measure whether that plan is delivering results.
What Are the Issues in the Ward 1 Election?
As I talk with residents throughout Ward 1, I’m hearing concerns about a range of issues, including:
- Public safety and safe public spaces
- Housing affordability
- Responsible development and growth
- Property taxes and City spending
- Roads, sidewalks and infrastructure
- Traffic and road safety
- Parks and trails
- Downtown Barrie and local businesses
- Communication and accountability at City Hall
These are important issues.
But I’m also interested in what isn’t on that list.
That’s why I’m spending this campaign knocking on doors and asking residents directly:
What’s the one thing you’d most like to see improved in Ward 1?
Your answer may be completely different from your neighbour’s.
I want to hear both.
When Should I Vote?
Election Day is Monday, October 26, 2026.
The City of Barrie will provide official information about voting methods, voter eligibility, advance voting and voter assistance as the election approaches.
Because election procedures and voting information can be updated, residents should use the City of Barrie’s official election information when making their voting plans.
City of Barrie 2026 Municipal Election Information
One important change for 2026 is that Barrie’s new ward boundaries will be used for the election, even though the new ward map formally takes effect November 14, 2026.
Make Your Voice Heard Before Election Day
Voting is important, but I don’t want the conversation with Ward 1 residents to begin and end on October 26.
I want to hear from you now.
Tell me what’s happening on your street.
Tell me what you think Barrie is doing well.
Tell me where you believe we can do better.
And tell me what you expect from the person who represents Ward 1 at City Hall.
If I’m elected, that conversation will continue after Election Day.
Stay Connected With the Brent Bowser Campaign
Over the coming weeks, I’ll continue knocking on doors throughout Ward 1, meeting residents and learning more about the issues affecting different parts of the ward.
You can also use this website to learn more about my background, explore my priorities, share your thoughts, volunteer or request a lawn sign.
Election Day: Monday, October 26, 2026
Brent Bowser
Candidate for Barrie City Council, Ward 1
Working for Ward 1. Together.
