2026 Mississauga Election Candidate Profile: Ward 2 - Tom Ellard

With the upcoming 2026 Municipal elections happening on Monday, October 26th, Modern Mississauga Media has reached out to all candidates inviting them to answer the same questions so voters can familiarize themselves with them.

With the 2022 Mississauga election having a paltry 21.84% voter turnout, this series is to educate the community and hopefully increase voter turnout for 2026.
Low voter turnout means that the voices of a few make decisions for all.

Candidate’s were also asked to provide at least four images and their answers are unedited.

Click here to read all candidate profiles and check back often as responses will be posted within 72 hours of receipt.

Click here to learn how to vote in the 2026 Mississauga Election.

1. Why are you running for Ward 2 councillor?
I was raised by a single mother and learned resilience, compassion and the value of hard work early on. I haven't forgotten my roots. Those roots will keep me grounded as I work for all residents as your Ward 2 City Councillor in Mississauga.

I've been raising my family and calling Ward 2 home for the last 22 years. For me, service is at the core of who I am as a retired soldier, business executive and community leader. Now is the right time for me to step forward again to serve my community. Ward 2 residents deserve a strong, independent voice at council to deliver results in a fiscally responsible manner. I am committed to lower taxes, managed growth, safer streets and cleaner air for all residents.

My community work for public education as chair of Libraries Not Landfills showed me how much of a difference one resident can make. By choosing me, voters will be assured that they have a passionate, committed and steady voice for these challenging times.

2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
I am a leader that doesn’t just talk about accountability, I've delivered it. As chair of Libraries Not Landfills, I took on the Peel District School Board directly and won. I demonstrated to residents that one committed voice can change an outcome. That's the kind of results-driven advocacy I'll bring to council, not just good intentions.

My background also gives me a rare combination of skills that set me apart as the choice to be your Ward 2 councillor. My experience in the military taught me how to make hard calls under pressure while executing a plan. I also understand budgets, governance and how to hold large organizations accountable for results based on my experience in publicly traded companies. My skills are what our next council needs when scrutinizing a multi-billion dollar regional budget in these challenging times.

Most importantly, I'm not beholden to any faction or special interest at city hall. I’ll be there to serve all the people in Ward 2 because, as a resident, I will also have to live with the outcomes of my decisions. I’m offering to voters a councillor who has actually delivered real results in the military, in business and in the community before asking for their vote.

3. What are your key campaign priorities?
My platform is based on lower taxes, managed growth, safer streets and cleaner air. We need greater fiscal accountability and value for taxpayer dollars.

1. We must work for greater efficiency and elimination of waste in the city budget, just as you do in your daily life when you balance your household budget.

2. Our community must grow in a manner that respects the residents of the already established neighbourhoods.

3. I want to ensure we are supporting our police with the tools they need to address crime in Ward 2 and that everyone in Peel is paying their fair share.

4. The pollution in our airshed must be addressed for our children’s future. The solution is getting other levels of government to the table to work together for positive results in Ward 2 with industrial emitters.

4. What budget item is the most important for Mississauga?
Efficient, balanced service delivery is at the core of a livable city. One of the largest budget items, and one of the biggest drivers of our tax bill increases, is the Peel Regional Police budget.

Mississauga residents currently cover 62% of this cost, while Brampton contributes only 38%, despite Brampton now having a larger population. All member municipalities must contribute their fair share to address today's crime challenges and build a safer tomorrow.

5. What are your three favourite aspects of Mississauga?
I’m raising my family in Lorne Park in Ward 2 for many great reasons. Our marvellously tree lined neighbourhoods are spectacular, providing a country feel with urban living. I love living near Lake Ontario which gives Ward 2 a unique character in Mississauga worth protecting. Overall, it’s the people in the community, our friendly nature, the hellos on the street and great businesses that make this the best place to live in Mississauga. I’ve knocked on many doors and I see that residents are proud of our community too. It will be an honour to serve the people as their next Ward 2 Councillor.

6. How will you be actively supporting our locally owned businesses if elected?
When businesses are successful, communities thrive. Businesses know their business and they aren’t asking for handouts. However, businesses are looking to the city to deliver value, eliminate red tape and reduce the tax burden. I will champion the Business Improvement Associations and support a small business advisory table to get real action.

Managing crime is also important so that businesses can operate safely. Too many pharmacies, jewelry stores and retailers have been victims of armed robbery. We need to ensure we have the police resources here to make our community businesses safe.

I also want to see increased support for events showcasing our local businesses and fostering greater community bonds. Let’s celebrate together, showing off our amazing Ward 2.

7. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Mississauga consistently delivers on the basics residents rely on every day: clean streets and great parks, steadily improving snow clearing and responsive city services. I should also give special mention to our first responders. When I have called, they have always been there for my family and friends in our hour of need.

As your Ward 2 Councillor, I will not let the city rest on just delivering on the basics. We still deserve a reliable, fiscally disciplined, well-run local government focused on continuously improving our quality of life. I share residents’ high standards, and I'll bring the same discipline of continuously improving to City Council.

8. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards will you be setting and following?
Decisions at city hall are about listening to the community and balancing tradeoffs. There's rarely a perfect choice. I commit that every decision will be weighed against one test: does it deliver real benefits to the residents who have to live with it? I will be available and accountable to residents as I stay focused on the right priorities. I have always made myself available by phone and email or for in person meetings. Visible leadership at community events will also be part of my commitment to the Ward.

9. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
I will hold town halls for important community issues to hear directly from residents. Additionally, I will canvass neighbourhoods to get real feedback at the door. I know from knocking doors that residents will tell you how they feel about an issue. Surveys will also be an important part of receiving feedback from voters.

10. Please provide your campaign website. 
tomellard.ca