Cross Border Network

09/09/2026

This is big.

Following the August 21 candidate registration deadline, our latest analysis takes a closer look at the people who have put their names forward across Ontario.

🗳️ 6,663 candidates are running for approximately 2,800 elected positions, a slight increase from last year
🆕 68% are new candidates to municipal office while 77% of current elected officials are running for re-election
📉 Acclamations are down, with 400 candidates acclaimed compared with 548 in 2022.
👩 32% of candidates are female, up from 27% in 2018.
💻 66% municipalities are offering internet voting, up from 52% in 2022.

These numbers provide an early look at participation and representation ahead of the October 26 municipal elections.

Read the full analysis: https://www.amo.on.ca/2026-municipal-election-analysis

09/09/2026

We’re excited to announce our next two guests for the Everything’s Local Live Shows in Calgary and Edmonton.

Joining us in Edmonton on October 18 is Alberta Municipalities Vice President Erin Stevenson. In Calgary on October 24, we’ll be joined by Alberta Municipalities President Dylan Bressey.

Join us as we reflect on the first year of the 2025–2029 municipal term, the accomplishments and challenges communities have experienced so far, and the path forward through the next three years.

Purchase your tickets today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/event-list

A portion of every ticket sold will be donated to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, a cause that is near and dear to our network.

We look forward to seeing you in Edmonton and Calgary.

09/09/2026

We’re just over six weeks away from two special Live Shows in Edmonton on Sunday, October 18, and Calgary on Saturday, October 24.

For these two live events, we’ll bring together Mayors, Councillors, and Reeves from communities across Alberta to reflect on the first year of the 2025–2029 municipal term.

We’ll discuss the accomplishments municipalities should be proud of, the issues and challenges that remain, and what lies ahead for communities of all sizes and from every region of Alberta.

A special thank you to our Title Sponsor, Alberta Municipalities, for their generous support in making these events possible.

We can’t wait to have you in the audience. Be sure to pick up your tickets today.

https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/event-list

09/09/2026

Join us LIVE Today at 9:30 AM CST / 8:30 AM MST for our second live show focused on Manitoba Municipal Government.

For today's live show, we’re joined by Councillor Scott Phillips of the Rural Municipality of Sifton, Councillor Steve Langston - Harrison Park of the Municipality of Harrison Park, and Deputy Reeve/Councillor Mac Kinghorn of the Municipality of Alexander.

We’ll take a closer look at what it means to serve as a Councillor in a rural municipality, including how Councillors balance competing needs and priorities, represent their individual wards while working for the municipality as a whole, and navigate the many myths and misconceptions about what rural Councillors can and can’t do while in office.

Join us LIVE on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/nqMcKHISnt0

This episode is made possible through our partnership with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities.

On September 9 at 8:30 AM MST / 9:30 AM CST, we’re kicking off our ...

09/09/2026

Our thoughts are with the Councillors friends and family today.

Statement on the Passing of Councillor Belinda Forest

The Town of High Level is deeply saddened by the passing of Councillor Belinda Forest.

Continue Reading:
https://highlevel.ca/m/newsflash/home/detail/1055

09/08/2026

Tickets Are Now on Sale for Cross Border Network’s Live Edmonton Show!

Tickets are now on sale for the Cross Border Network’s upcoming event on Sunday, October 18th in Edmonton, featuring a live conversation on the state of Alberta’s municipalities one year after the 2025 Municipal Elections.

Tickets can be purchased through the Cross Border Network website at https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/event-details/everythings-local-edmonton-live-show

The event will bring together leaders, community members, and engaged Albertans for a timely discussion on how municipal politics have evolved, the challenges and opportunities facing local governments, and how provincial–municipal relations are shaping communities across the province.

A portion of every ticket sold will support the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, helping advance its important work supporting patients, families, and research.

Join the conversation and be part of the discussion about the future of Alberta’s communities.

Join the Cross Border Network on Sunday, October 18 in Edmonton for the first of two live shows across Alberta as we explore the state of municipalities one year after the 2025 Municipal Elections.

09/08/2026

In British Columbia's Cariboo region, local government takes on a very different meaning.

Vast distances, rural communities, resource industries, and the people who call this region home all create challenges that can't always be solved with a one-size-fits-all approach.

Today on Cross Border Interviews, we sit down with Cariboo Regional District Director for District 'A', Nicole Audet Cariboo Regional District Area A Director

YouTube: https://youtu.be/dUitbt4ceuA
Apple: https://apple.co/3XwwXIv
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cross-border-interviews

Cross Border Interviews is Part of the Cross Border Network
©2026

09/07/2026

What happens in Canada’s communities often tells us something much bigger about the country itself.

From rural communities to major metropolitan centres, municipal leaders are making decisions that directly affect the people they represent. And as municipal elections approach in PEI, Ontario, and Manitoba, new candidates are stepping forward with their own ideas about the future of their communities.

The Cross Border Network is looking for those voices.

If you are a municipal leader in Canada, or a candidate running for municipal office in this year’s elections, we want to hear your story, your perspective, and the issues that matter most to the people you hope to represent.

Join us for Municipal Affairs Votes and become part of the conversation.

Submit your information through the link below. A member of our team will be in touch.

We invite you to be a part of the Cross Border Network by joining us on the show!

09/07/2026

In a community like View Royal, decisions made at the council table can have a direct impact on the roads we drive, the services we rely on, the development around us, and the future of the community itself.

As voters consider the next municipal election, candidates are making their case for what View Royal should look like — and how it should be governed.

Today on Municipal Affairs Votes, we're sitting down one-on-one with View Royal mayoral candidate Ryan Painter

YouTube: https://youtu.be/su4HDyZ0Zzk
Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2I
Spotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E

Municipal Affairs is Part of the Cross Border Network.
©2026

09/06/2026

The Town of Grand Falls-Windsor is deeply saddened to acknowledge the passing of Deputy Mayor Rod Bennett following a courageous battle with cancer.

Deputy Mayor Bennett was a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about Grand Falls-Windsor and the people who call our community home. He first served on Town Council from 2017 to 2021 and returned to Council following his re-election in 2025, serving as Deputy Mayor until his passing.

Rod was also a proud member of Qalipu First Nation and served as the Nation’s Director of Operations. His commitment to community extended through both his professional life and his public service.

To residents, colleagues and friends, Rod was known as a friendly and familiar face - always approachable, always willing to have a conversation, and genuinely passionate about making his community a better place.

On behalf of Mayor Mike Browne, Council and staff, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Rod’s wife, Hilda; his son, Jordan; his daughter, Alison; and their families. We also extend our sympathies to Rod’s many friends, colleagues at Qalipu First Nation, and all those throughout our community who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

His contributions to Grand Falls-Windsor will be remembered, and he will be deeply missed.

Rest in peace, Deputy Mayor Bennett.