With one day left to campaign before voters cast their ballots, candidates in Halifax Regional Municipality are trying to get their message out to the undecided.

Polling stations are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.

This election marks the first time Haligonians are assured of electing a new mayor in 12 years, as veteran politician Peter Kelly is not re-offering. Of the six candidates vying to replace Kelly, there are three who are considered contenders.

Former federal Member of Parliament and perceived frontrunner in the mayoral race, Mike Savage, was excited on the last day of campaigning.

“We’ve got advantages that other cities can only dream of,” Savage told News 95.7. “If we can get past the squabbling and if we can be more positive and less concerned about what happens if things go wrong, and more excited about making things right, then I think the sky’s the limit.”

Former Halifax Regional Police homicide investigator Tom Martin said he’ll be spending today knocking on doors.

“I think we have as good a chance as any other candidate,” said Martin. “We certainly came from very far behind. If what I’m hearing at the door from supporters, on Twitter and other forms of social media, it’s positive feedback.”

North End Halifax business entrepreneur Fred Connors said he will be spending his last day trying to connect with as many people as possible.

“I’m planning on riding the ferry this morning and spending some time at the universities, hopeful to engage with the students to get out and vote – for whoever they want – as long as they get out and vote,” said Connors.

Also running for mayor are Robert Wesley McCormack, Steve Mackie and Aaron Eisses.

There will also be an entirely new council since the electoral boundary review has redrawn the districts, pitting some incumbents against one another in the race.

District 8 (Halifax North)

One of the most hotly-contested ridings is District 8 (Halifax North). Dawn Sloane was voted best HRM councillor by the Coast newspaper nine times in the former Halifax Downtown district, and like many incumbents her campaign hangs on her years of service.

“With a new mayor and a new municipal government you need stability, but you also need the knowledge and the know how,” Sloane told News 95.7 when asked why residents should vote for her.

But Sloane is running against another incumbent. Jennifer Watts served in the former Connaught-Quinpool district.

“I think people know where I stand on issues. I do my homework and I’ve been hearing good comments about that,” said Watts.

There is some speculation that with two strong incumbents in District 8, the vote could be split and newcomer Doug MacDonald might have a shot at garnering the majority of the votes.

“I’m the voice of change,” said MacDonald. “I will be change. I will be a strong advocate, a strong voice.”

Change has been a common theme in this election following years of the same mayor and councillors holding their seats.  

Several scandals in the last term, including the so-called ‘cash for concerts’ debacle and issues with oversight at the Trade Centre Ltd., could be part of the reason this election is seeing so many challengers. Council has also been criticized for too much infighting that got in the way of timely decision-making.


District 7 (Halifax South)

Sue Uteck served the former Northwest Arm – South End ward since being elected in 1999. Now, the newly drawn District 7 is also seeing strong competition from some of the city’s event organizers.

“You’re going to need somebody who’s going to hit the ground running,” said Uteck, another of the councillors campaigning on her previous track record. “This is a large territory. You’re taking over the downtown. I think you’re going to want somebody who’s going to be able to pick up the phone and know who to call and know how to get things done.”

Uteck’s biggest challengers are college professor and former Halifax Pop Explosion director Waye Mason and Gerry Walsh, founder of the Bluenose Marathon.

“People are embarrassed by city council and feel like it hasn’t been serving them in the last two years,” said Mason.

“There’s a fair bit of disgust in many respects with some of the actions of the current councillor,” said Walsh.

District 3 (Dartmouth South – Eastern Passage)

Another hotly-contested riding is District 3 where the councillor for the former district of Portland-East Woodlawn, Bill Karsten, is pitted against the councillor for the former district of Woodside-Eastern Passage, Jackie Barkhouse.

“A lot of people do bring up some the problems with council, and the fact that they’re looking forward to a new council and a fresh start,” said Barkhouse, acknowledging the mood for change.

Karsten said his campaign team has knocked on excess of 10,000 doors throughout the campaign.

Voters will also elect a new school board.