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Music blasted through speakers as people chatted enthusiastically outside a Toronto venue, moving between tents, a hotdog cart and an ice cream truck on a sunny October day.
What looked like an outdoor festival at Lawrence Heights Community Centre was a fair held to raise civic engagement and encourage the city’s residents to vote in the Oct. 26 municipal election.
The non-partisan event, organized by North York Harvest Food Bank, was attended by several groups including Voice the Vote, a joint initiative by Toronto Metropolitan University’s Democratic Engagement Exchange and United Way Greater Toronto.
Jonathan Dong stood behind a table, a mock ballot box and papers laid out in front him, talking to people and handing them Voice the Vote election handbooks.
“I think that participating in our democratic process, especially considering … how many people around the world aren't able to cast a vote, is incredibly important,” Dong said in an interview.
“Showing up is how people know that you're important, and if you don't show up, you don't get a say in what happens in the country, in your city, in your own backyard.”
In previous municipal elections, the city has seen what observers described as a worrying downward trend in voter participation.
In the 2023 mayoral byelection won by Olivia Chow, 37 per cent of eligible voters participated. Turnout was less than 30 per cent in the 2022 municipal election and about 41 per cent in 2018.
Across the province, overall voter turnout was nearly 33 per cent in the 2022 municipal elections and roughly 38 per cent in 2018, according to Association of Municipalities of Ontario data.
The turnout at Toronto's advance polls in the upcoming election was robust, however, with more than 222,000 people casting their ballots early – the highest number in more than a decade.
Dong said he wants to do his part to battle voter apathy.
As a Chinese Canadian who lives in Richmond Hill north of Toronto, he said many voters in his community are particularly disconnected from the electoral process and as a result they don’t have enough representation in government.
“I think it's very important to have the conversations within these communities to increase that representation and increase our voter turnout,” he said.
At the voter information event, two white posters glued on a wall were decorated with colourful sticky notes on which members of the community wrote why voting matters to them.
"Support for unhoused neighbours," "a clean city," and "mental health safety" were among the dozens of notes.
Meanwhile, two taxis were seen ferrying voters to advance polling sites and then bringing them back to the community centre.
Warren Epstein was among those who voted early. He stood by Rania Ahmed, the project lead at Democratic Engagement Exchange, and asked her to write a few messages for him on a poster that focused on affordability and more support for seniors like himself.
“You need people who are going to do things for the people and the senior citizens, and you want to make sure that the right people are voted in for the right activities,” Epstein said.
“And it is time for change.”
Ahmed said Voice the Vote's 15-member team is trying to help people “feel more hopeful about their future” by leveraging their own communities.
“A lot of people actually don't know … that the issue they care about is actually tied to their municipal government and not the provincial (or) federal,” she said.
Ahmed said the initiative also provides micro-grants for organizations and individuals who come up with project or event ideas for elections and civic engagement in Toronto, York and Peel regions.
The funding for the initiative comes from United Way. The charity's senior public affairs officer, Abby Tait, said while the organization has taken part in similar efforts in previous elections, Voice the Vote is a more thought out project aimed at increasing turnout across the city, including among immigrant communities and younger people.
Tait said the idea was born in the summer of 2025, after back-to-back provincial and federal elections.
“So we kind of seized this long runway and said, ‘let's build something really ambitious,’” she said.
“We developed this kind of community-led project that would really be focused on grounding the municipal election in the local issues that matter to people.”
She said Voice the Vote is using the United Way’s vast network of around 300 agencies to reach communities.
“You can't have a healthy community if people feel like they have no agency in their community, that they're not connected to it," she said.
Roughly 200 people attended the event in Lawrence Heights earlier this month, and around 20 of them were taken to an advance polling site to cast their ballots, said Sarah Watson, the director of community engagement at North York Harvest Food Bank.
Watson said while the food bank can provide emergency support for people in need, it can't change systemic issues such as lack of affordable housing, food insecurity or unsafe communities.
“We're really trying to connect them with the electoral process so they can have some influence over who is in government and who is making changes on these issues,” she said.
“A lot of our community members feel like their voices aren't heard … and when that happens again and again, it can be frustrating and it can cause people to disengage," Watson added. “We really want to encourage people that it is worth participating, that their voices should be heard.”
Event participant Esther Johnson agreed, saying she will head to the polls on election day because she believes every vote counts.
For people who choose not to vote in this election, "it's their loss," she said. “If they're not interested in… having the input, don't complain.”
More than 50 candidates are vying to become the mayor of Canada's largest city, but polls suggest incumbent Olivia Chow and councillor Brad Bradford are locked in a fierce competition one week before election day.
Lydia Miljan, a political-science professor at the University of Windsor, said there are reasons to believe more people will participate in Toronto's electoral process this time around, given the tight race between the two leading mayoral candidates.
"It just depends on how closely people are following Toronto politics right now, and I think it's getting in my feeds even down here,” she said. “So, it is heating up quite significantly.”
Miljan said voter turnout is generally lower in municipal elections because it can be overwhelming to take part in a process that elects the mayor, councillors and school board trustees all at once.
She said the lack of political parties giving people a “shortcut” on where local election candidates stand, and the movement of voters between wards in large cities can further suppress turnout.
But in order to have a healthy democracy, residents need to show up, she said.
“It is incumbent upon citizens, regardless of how long they've lived in that city, to really make an effort to cast their ballot."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.
By Sharif Hassan | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Four Armed Forces members were killed when a fast-moving fire overwhelmed soldiers during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright, southeast of Edmonton, on Saturday. Dozens of others were injured, with 39 still in hospital on Sunday.
Here's a look at the four who died:
Private Shaun Farrell
Farrell, a member of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based at Edmonton, was from Prince Albert, Sask.
In a social media post, his mother asked for privacy as the family navigates "this profound loss."
"We want to thank everyone for your love, support, and prayers during this incredibly difficult time," said Patricia Farrell.
She also posted a photo of her smiling son in uniform, standing by a pickup truck. "Love you my darling child."
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said flags in the province would be lowered to half-mast in Farrell's memory.
"Shaun was a young man full of promise who chose to serve his country. His loss will be felt deeply by his family, friends, fellow service members, and all who knew him," Moe said in a statement.
"To Shaun's family, to the families of the other fallen service members, and to everyone carrying the weight of this loss today, please know that Saskatchewan stands with you, and that you are in our prayers in the difficult days ahead."
---
Private Aidan Goulding
The 23-year-old, of North Vancouver, was also a member of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
His family said he was an exceptional athlete and, after high school, became a mechanic.
He later quit to join the army.
"Although he was making excellent money and had a good life, he decided he wanted to defend his country. His goal was to work for Special OPs and then onto CSIS," his mother, Sonia Monk, and older brother, Wylder Goulding, said in a statement.
"He was the guy that kept people's spirits up, a contagious laugh and a cheeky smile, he took his role in the army seriously, and our family and his dear friends have suffered a great loss."
They said he loved his adopted new army family and was looking forward to peacekeeping in Latvia.
"Before he went to basic training, he said, ‘I know I have one life to live, and I’m gonna make the best out of it.' That was our Aidan."
—
Private Hayden Lykkemark
Lykkemark was from Langley, B.C., and with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
B.C. Premier David Eby recognized Lykkemark and Goulding in a social media post.
"In this moment of profound heartbreak, as British Columbians and Canadians, let's wrap our arms around their families, supporting them and joining in the mourning of this horrible tragedy," he said.
---

Sgt. Morgan Wong
The 26-year-old from Edmonton was a reservist with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, serving with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
"He was an incredible person who was always there whenever anyone needed him," his family said in a statement.
"He loved being active and spending time with his friends and family. He was extremely proud to serve with the Canadian Armed Forces."
They said he earned a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Alberta, as well as certificates in real estate and civil-military leadership.
He joined the Forces in 2017, and for the last four years worked as a financial analyst and manager with the Alberta government. He also served as a first responder with St. John Ambulance.
He served in Latvia from October 2024 to June 2025, and was preparing for a second tour in Europe.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Sergeant Morgan Wong of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, and all those who lost their lives yesterday at Wainwright," the 49th Battalion Loyal Edmonton Regiment Association said in a social media post.
"Our thoughts and prayers are also with the injured, their loved ones and everyone affected by this tragedy.
"We will remember them."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2026.
— By Dayne Patterson in Edmonton, Bill Graveland in Calgary and Nick Murray in Ottawa
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
No plane ticket needed.
Historic shops, cozy cafes, quaint streets, and riverside strolls await in this charming Ontario destination.
You can imagine you've hopped on a plane and jetted off to another land as you wander through the old-world downtown.
Located a road trip from Toronto, this enchanting destination is a magical spot for a day trip or weekend escape, and readers say it makes them feel like they're in Europe.
Stratford, Ontario, is a picturesque spot nestled along the shores of the Avon River, just under 2 hours from Toronto.
Though it's technically a city, it has a small-town feel and was named after Stratford-upon-Avon, England, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
Like its English namesake, Stratford is known for its thriving theatre scene. The annual Stratford Festival takes place from April through October, with select productions extending into mid-November this year.
The festival offers a range of Shakespearean and contemporary productions to enjoy.
Autumn is a beautiful time to explore Stratford, when colourful leaves blanket the streets, historic buildings burst with harvest decor, and vibrant foliage frames the riverside.
You can spend some time wandering through downtown, where little boutiques, specialty shops and local businesses offer lots to discover.
For an extra sprinkle of coziness, you can stop for a warm drink at Balzac's, browse the tea selection at Distinctly Tea Stratford, or pop into The Livery Yard for a pumpkin spice latte. Other cozy cafes and bakeries to check out include Brch & Wyn, The Floral Cup, The Ashborne Cafe, and Hartman's Coffee & Tea.
You can also head to Gallery Stratford, which showcases contemporary art in a historic former pumphouse, with a sculpture garden to wander through outside.
If you're interested in local history, the Stratford Perth Museum offers exhibits about the area's past, along with a popular collection dedicated to hometown star Justin Bieber.
You don't want to miss out on a stroll through the town's Shakespearean Gardens or the Avon Trail, which winds along the river.
You can also follow the waterfront paths around Lake Victoria, where you might spot Stratford's iconic swans gliding across the water, depending on the season.
Upper Queen's Park is another lovely place to wander, with leafy scenery and crisp autumn air.
Bring your appetite! Stratford has several self-guided food trails. The Chocolate Trail lets you sample sweet treats from local chocolatiers and bakeries, while the Bacon and Ale Trail highlights savoury bites and local brews.
If you're visiting a little later in the year, you can enjoy a more festive side of the city. Stratford is extra enchanting during the holiday season, and looks like it was plucked from a Christmas card. You can shop at the quaint stores, follow the Christmas Trail around town, and discover glowing installations at Lights On Stratford.
If you're looking for a little slice of Europe without leaving Ontario, readers say this enchanting town is worth a visit.