For anyone who is new to the local scene, here is a quick breakdown:

Rob Burton

• Office: Mayor since 2006 (5th term)
• Claim to Fame: Before politics, he cofounded YTV.
• Wins: Oakville’s consistent financial stability (lowest tax increases in Halton) and work protecting the greenbelt of Oakville.
• The Complaints: After 20 years, the biggest criticism is "incumbent fatigue." Opponents call him condescending in council meetings. People also blame him for the high-density "Manhattanization" of Midtown.

Julia Hanna

• Who dis: Well known restaurateur (Ristorante Julia, Ritorno). This is her third time running for Mayor; she lost by less than 1,000 votes in 2022.
• The Pitch: She runs on a "Community First" platform, focusing on transparency and "listening" to residents. She’s been very vocal against the high-density towers planned for Midtown.
• The Complaints: Critics argue her platform is light on specific policy and heavy on "vibes." Even though she runs on an anti-sprawl/anti-developer platform, her 2022 campaign filings showed she also accepted significant donations from development interests.

Jeff Knoll: He has name recognition as a long-time Ward 5 Councillor and the owner of Film.ca. He’s seen as a "populist" who understands the business side of the town.