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How community organizations are trying to fight voter apathy in this Toronto election
Community events aim to engage Toronto voters
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sharif Hassan
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.
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Carney says Canada in mourning following military base deaths in Alberta
Canada in mourning over military tragedy: Carney
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Patrick Doyle
Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a statement in Ottawa on Sunday about a deadly, fast-moving fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta. The fire on Saturday killed four service members and wounded dozens more.
Here is the text of Carney's remarks:
Yesterday afternoon, a violent, fast-moving fire swept through the Canadian Armed Forces Base in Wainwright, Alta.
What followed was one of the worst tragedies for the Forces on Canadian soil in peacetime.
I regret that I can confirm at this time that four service members have lost their lives and their next of kin have been notified. Dozens more are seriously wounded.
As the situation is evolving rapidly, I have asked that a detailed account and formal briefing be provided to Canadians this afternoon by senior officials on the ground in Wainwright, including the minister of national defence, Canada’s minister of emergency preparedness and Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland of the Canadian Army. They will be joined by provincial ministers and senior officials.
I would like to take this opportunity to commend the close collaboration between all levels of government. Since last evening, Premier Smith and I have been in regular contact. Our ministers and officials have co-ordinated the response deploying resources from the CAF, public safety, local fire department, Alberta emergency and medical services.
The nation is in mourning for those brave members of our Armed Forces whom we have lost. And I have asked the flags on all federal buildings to be flown at half-mast to honour them. We are praying for the wounded. And we stand in solidarity and compassion for the families, friends and colleagues of all those affected by this tragedy.
Canadians come together in crisis. That is the best of our country.
Military and civilian crews fought this fire through the night, in some of the worst conditions imaginable, risking their lives to protect their fellow Canadians.
STARS air ambulance crews flew in from Edmonton and Saskatoon. Paramedics, nurses, and doctors in Wainwright, Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary caring for victims. The people of Wainwright are taking care of their own.
Thank you to Albertans and Canadians who are giving blood, who are feeding and housing emergency crews, who are providing solace and comfort to those in their darkest hour.
Those affected came from bases across the country, including reservists and soldiers from the storied Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. Throughout Canada’s history, the Princess Pats have fought for freedom, democracy and human dignity — in the First World War, in the Second, in Korea, in Afghanistan and during numerous peacekeeping missions
That is the record, that is the standard, those are the values of the women and men who were training on the Alberta prairie yesterday afternoon when disaster struck. That commitment, that service, those ideals are the debts we, as Canadians, owe to them.
Our country depends on the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces. Our rights, our freedoms, our way of life are fought for and defended every single day by Canadians who answer the call.
CFB Wainwright is where the women and men of our Armed Forces learn to do the hardest things this country can ask of anyone. Those we lost and who were injured were training to defend Canada. To serve Canada.
Now Canada serves them.
We will be there for their families for as long as they need. We will care for the injured through every step of their recovery. And we will stand by the women and men of our Armed Forces as they bear the weight of this loss.
They will not carry it alone. In Canada, we take care of one another.
Thank you.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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British Columbia NDP Leader Eby asks Green voters to think carefully about vote
B.C.'s Eby asks Green voters for help in election
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam
British Columbia NDP Leader David Eby is appealing to Green voters as the snap election slated for Oct. 24 enters its final week.
Eby says Green voters should think carefully about their choices, as they prepare to cast their ballots.
He says he respects Green Leader Emily Lowan, but she won't be premier, and votes for her party could end up electing a Conservative government.
Eby says the Green vote was the difference between a Conservative and a New Democrat being elected in 11 ridings during the last election, including the riding of North Island, where he was speaking at an unrelated campaign announcement in Campbell River, B.C.
He says neither his party nor himself have been perfect, and a lot of people are frustrated about having an election at this moment.
Eby says this election is about the future of the province, and not the small differences between New Democrats and Greens, who share a common vision in many areas.
"So, I'm asking Green voters to think very carefully about the kind of province that we all want, because when we all work together as voters who share that vision, we win."
When asked whether his appeal to Green voters was an acknowledgment that his party was trailing, Eby says the only poll that matters happens on election day.
"I have a great deal of respect for their leader, and she is not going to be premier next week," he says. "The damage that a Conservative government would do would last for generations, and some of it would be impossible to undo."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2026.
By Wolfgang Depner | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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12 trouvailles décos à 22$ et moins au Tigre Géant pour créer une ambiance cozy chez toi
Bougies, couvertures chaudes et autres « must » pour ton décor d’automne. 🍂
Si tu as déjà fait un tour au Tigre Géant, tu sais qu'il est possible de trouver de belles décorations de maison pas chères au fil des saisons dans les allées du détaillant offrant une variété d'items allant des vêtements aux produits ménagers, en passant par des articles d'épicerie. Histoire de te montrer ce qui t’attend sur les tablettes du grand magasin pour faire de chez toi un petit cocon cozy cet automne sans briser ton petit cochon, voici douze trouvailles à 22 $ et moins à mettre dans ton panier.
Alors que les températures baissent, que la nuit se présente plus rapidement ainsi que la pluie et le soleil, qui brille sur les feuilles qui changent de couleur, se donnent le relais, il est temps de créer un espace douillet et chaleureux dans lequel prendre refuge après tes aventures au grand air. Pour ce faire, tu peux opter pour des matériaux à effet naturel comme le rotin et l'osier, des couvertures texturées, de la verdure puis surtout, des bougies.
Panier en rotin
Panier en rotin à vendre au Tigre Géant.
Noémi Lincourt | Narcity Québec
Coût : En rabais à 15 $, 20 $ au prix régulier
Description : Avoir des paniers décoratifs de toutes tailles un peu partout dans la maison accomplis deux fonctions. La premières est d'enjoliver l'espace, et la seconde est de fournir du rangement pour tes jetés, tes coussins et autres items que tu peux poser à l'intérieur entre chaque utilisation. En choisissant du rotin, tu apportes une touche naturel pleine de chaleur.
Site Web du Tigre Géant
Faux palmier dans un pot gris
Faux palmier dans un pot gris à vendre au Tigre Géant.
Noémi Lincourt | Narcity Québec
Coût : 18 $
Description : Tu n'as pas le pouce vert, mais ton chez-toi manque de vie? Tu peux opter pour de jolies plantes artificielles venant directement dans des pots modernes comme ce faux palmier à vendre chez Tigre Géant. En investissant 18 $, tu auras l'effet recherché, sans voir ton achat décrépir de semaine en semaine.
Site Web du Tigre Géant
Jeté de canapé et de lit
Jeté de canapé et de lit à vendre au Tigre Géant.
Noémi Lincourt | Narcity Québec
Coût : 22 $
Description : Rien n'apporte plus de confort en automne qu'une soirée emmitouflé.e dans des couvertures douces et chaudes. Histoire d'en avoir dans toutes les pièces, tu peux mettre la main sur plusieurs modèle au Tigre Géant, dont celle-ci qui a un effet tricot et qui te coûterait d'ailleurs 10 $ de plus sur Amazon pour un look identique.
Site Web du Tigre Géant
Lanterne à bougie
Lanterne à bougie à vendre au Tigre Géant.
Noémi Lincourt | Narcity Québec
Coût : 12 $
Description : Des bougies, des bougies et encore des bougies. Un verre de ta boisson chaude favorite entre les mains, l'odeur particulière d'une belle journée d'automne qui plane dans chaque pièce et la lueur des chandelles, voilà comment relaxer chez toi lorsque l'été a fait sa révérence. Pour apporter du style à tes petites bougies, cette lanterne est parfaite.
Site Web du Tigre Géant
Paniers d'organisation en osier
Paniers d'organisation en osier à vendre au Tigre Géant.
Noémi Lincourt | Narcity Québec
Coût : 15 $
Description : Un décor est à son apogée lorsqu'il y a une place pour chaque chose, et que chaque chose est à sa place. Afin d'organiser ton espace avec bon goût et un effet douillet, ce type de panier en osier est tout indiqué.
Site Web du Tigre Géant
Lettres qui s'illuminent
Lettres qui s'illuminent à vendre au Tigre Géant.
Noémi Lincourt | Narcity Québec
Coût : 8 $
Description : Il faut le dire, s'il est possible pour un espace minimaliste d'être tout de même cozy, le summum du confort se trouve souvent dans les maisons pleines de bibelots, de jetés, de coussins et autres babioles. Avec ces lettres en bois qui s'illuminent, tu peux non seulement apporter une touche de texture naturelle à l'endroit, mais aussi de douce lumière.
Site Web du Tigre Géant
Chandelle à la citrouille épicée
Chandelle à la citrouille épicée à vendre au Tigre Géant.
Noémi Lincourt | Narcity Québec
Coût : 12 $
Description : Peut-on parler d'incontournables d'automne sans inclure une chandelle à la citrouille épicée ou autre senteur de saison? Non. Ainsi, cette bougie parfaitement dans le thème avec son contenant couvert de feuillages de couleur neutre attend juste d'emplir ton salon de son odeur délicieuse.
Site Web du Tigre Géant
Lanterne décorative avec feuillages d'automne et bougie
Lanterne décorative avec feuillages d'automne et bougie à vendre au Tigre Géant.
Noémi Lincourt | Narcity Québec
Coût : 20 $
Description : Okay, il faut y aller avec parcimonie lorsqu'il est question de feuillages artificiels colorés parce qu'on peut rapidement tomber dans un effet bas de gamme. Cela dit, entourée d'autres matériaux et de bibelots de bon goût, cette lanterne peut apporter beaucoup de joie et de tons saisonniers à la pièce de ton choix.
Site Web du Tigre Géant
Bougeoir en forme de citrouille
Bougeoir en forme de citrouille à vendre au Tigre Géant.
Noémi Lincourt | Narcity Québec
Coût : 10 $
Description : Tu aimes l'Halloween, mais tu ne veux pas nécessairement avoir plein de fruits ronds et oranges dans ta maison? Cet accessoire te permet d'inclure encore plus de bougies à ton décor, en plus d'être en forme de citrouille.
Site Web du Tigre Géant
Luminaire en vigne pour rideau
Luminaire en vigne pour rideau à vendre au Tigre Géant.
Noémi Lincourt | Narcity Québec
Coût : 15 $
Description : Les vignes ont la cote depuis quelques années déjà, alors si tu adores le look, tu peux mettre la main sur cette option artificielle et lumineuse à accrocher à tes rideaux pour 15 $ au Tigre Géant.
Site Web du Tigre Géant
Tapis de coco
Tapis de coco à vendre au Tigre Géant.
Noémi Lincourt | Narcity Québec
Coût : 12 $
Description : Tu peux créer ton ambiance automnale avant même de mettre les pieds chez toi en te procurant un tapis extérieur rustique en coco. Celui-ci, avec ses feuilles noires, est une des possibilités qui s'offrent à toi au Tigre Géant.
Site Web du Tigre Géant
Étagère murale flottante
Étagère murale flottante à vendre au Tigre Géant.
Noémi Lincourt | Narcity Québec
Coût : En rabais à 8 $, 10 $ au prix régulier
Description : Tu as un mur vide qui pourrait bénéficier de quelques tablettes pour mettre tes décorations et cadres de saison? Voici un lot de trois étagères murales pas chères qui pourront réaliser ta vision.
Site Web du Tigre Géant