Strengthening local democracy

A big part of what makes a community vibrant is active and informed civic participation. That’s why we are proud to support the Toronto Star and Vox Pop Labs initiative to bring Vote Compass to 50 Ontario municipalities, including Hamilton, during the 2026 municipal elections. The project aims to help residents better understand local issues, compare their views with those of candidates, and make informed choices at the ballot box. 

Municipal governments make decisions that affect our daily lives, from housing and transportation to recreation, infrastructure and community services. Yet voter turnout in municipal elections has historically lagged behind other levels of government. In Ontario’s 2022 municipal elections, less than one third of eligible voters cast a ballot.  

The Toronto Star’s Vote Compass initiative addresses an important challenge: ensuring voters have access to clear, accessible, and trustworthy information. By leveraging innovative technology and local journalism, the project will provide Vote Compass tools for participating municipalities, helping residents engage with issues that matter most in their own communities. The goal is to reach more than 250,000 voters across the province.  

For HCF, supporting this work aligns closely with our commitment to building a more vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community. Healthy democracies depend on informed citizens who feel empowered to participate in decisions that shape their future. When more people understand the issues, learn about candidates, and exercise their right to vote, communities benefit from stronger representation and more responsive local leadership. 

We are proud to stand alongside partners including the Toronto Foundation and Atkinson Foundation in supporting this unprecedented civic engagement effort. Together, we can help strengthen local democracy and ensure more Ontarians have the information and confidence they need to make their voices heard.