The first scheduled Oshawa mayoral debate of the 2026 campaign will bring six candidates to a downtown stage on Thursday evening, with a public live stream available for residents who cannot attend.
The free in-person event at the BOND|ST Event Centre is sold out. The debate runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 8 at 44 Bond Street East.
Six candidates confirmed
Confirmed participants are current councillors Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Derek Giberson and Jim Lee, along with mayoral candidates Dave Westlake, Henry Onwuachu and Jeremy Large.
Nine candidates are registered in the mayoral race. Incumbent Mayor Dan Carter is not seeking re-election, leaving the city’s top elected office open.
The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce organized the debate to give candidates an opportunity to discuss their plans for the city, address community issues and answer questions from residents and businesses.
Live stream begins at 6 p.m.
Residents without an in-person ticket can watch the debate live through the chamber’s YouTube channel. The broadcast is scheduled to begin promptly at 6 p.m.
The chamber is also holding a ticketed meet-and-greet after the debate. That reception is separate from the free live stream and sold-out debate seating.
The event follows an all-candidates mixer held Wednesday at 70 King Street. Thursday’s program is focused specifically on the mayoral contest.
The Oshawa mayoral debate gives voters another way to compare candidates before the October 26 municipal election. Viewers should consult official election information for the complete certified candidate list and voting instructions.
