2010 Municipal Election Stats

Some findings of the AMO 2010 Municipal Elections Survey.

Total number of candidates that ran

  • Total number of candidates that ran in municipalities holding elections: 8,039
  • Total number that ran for council – excluding the Head of Council position: 5,489
  • Number that ran for council (female): 1,318
  • Total number that ran for Head of Council (Mayor, Reeve and or Regional Chair): 1055
  • Number that ran for Head of Council (Female): 177

Council turnover

  • 135 municipalities had more than 50% council turnover (more than half new)
  • 9 municipalities where the entire council is new: South Bruce Peninsula, Central Manitoulin, St. Charles, North Middlesex, Markstay-Warren, Machar, Ear Falls, Machin and Magnetawan
  • The municipalities with the highest number of new councillors are Toronto at 14 (31%), Ottawa at 11 (46%), and 9 in South Bruce Peninsula (100%), Muskoka Lakes (90%) and Prince Edward County (56%).
  • There are 1095 new councillors throughout the province (38% of total councillors)
  • There are 164 new heads of council throughout the province (40% of total HOCs)
  • 30 municipal councils entirely acclaimed in 2010 – no elections held.

Women in Municipal Government

  • 111 municipalities have councils that are more than 30% female
  • The highest proportion is in The North Shore at 80% (4/5), followed by City of Waterloo at 63% (5/8)
  • 24 municipalities have a majority of council that is female (50% or greater)
  • The municipalities with the highest number of female councillors are Toronto at 14 (31%), Mississauga at seven (58%), and six in Ottawa (25%), Prince Edward County (38%) and Guelph (43%).
  • There are 623 female councillors throughout the province (22% of total councillors)
  • 100 municipalities have female heads of council (24% of total HOCs)

Voter turnout:

  • 2010: 44.35%
  • 2006: 41.33%
  • 2003: 40.18%
  • 2000: 41%
  • 1997: 40%
  • 1994: 44.8%
  • 1988: 44.9%
  • 1982: 48%

Voter Turnout Source: Municipal World, September 1999, AMO and AMCTO surveys