The open lord mayor race in Niagara-on-the-Lake, following incumbent Gary Zalepa's decision not to seek re-election and instead pursue the Niagara Regional Chair role, has produced a tight three-candidate contest ahead of the October 26, 2026 municipal vote. Nominations closed August 21 with regional councillor Andrea Kaiser, deputy lord mayor and councillor Erwin Wiens, and businessman Vaughn Goettler certified as contenders, each drawing on local experience in council, business, or community leadership. Overlapping platforms centered on heritage preservation, controlling costs and growth, and resisting amalgamation pressures amid regional governance changes have kept the field competitive, with limited polling or differentiation to date. Early campaign activity, including sign placement starting August 27 and internet voting from October 5, could shift sentiment as voters assess records and priorities before ballots close.