Information for Candidates

The 2026 Municipal and School Board Election was held on October 26, 2026. The term of office for candidates elected in 2026 will begin on November 15, 2026, and end on November 14, 2030.

Election Forms

The Province of Ontario provides the official forms required for municipal elections and third party advertising registration.

Note: You will be redirected to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing of Ontario's website. The secure and fillable PDF forms are provided by the Province of Ontario and require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software. 

Form 1 – Nomination Paper

Required for individuals seeking election as Mayor, Councillor, or School Board Trustee.

Form 2 – Endorsement of Nomination

Required for candidates seeking election as Mayor or Councillor. The form must include 25 endorsement signatures from eligible electors.

Form 4 – Financial Statement and Auditor's Report

Used by candidates to file campaign financial information following the election.

Form 7 – Notice of Registration for Third Party Advertisers

Required for individuals, corporations, or trade unions wishing to register as a third party advertiser.

Key Dates

Important Dates
EventDatesDetails
Nomination PeriodMay 1 to August 21, 2026 (2 p.m.)Nominations for the Offices of Mayor, Councillors and School Board Trustees are accepted during regular office hours.
Third Party Advertiser Registration PeriodMay 1 to October 23, 2026Registration period for individuals, corporations, and trade unions acting as third party advertisers.
Lame Duck PeriodAugust 21 to November 14, 2026Restricted Acts for Council
Nomination DayFriday, August 21, 2026From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nomination Withdrawal DeadlineAugust 21, 2026 (2 p.m.)Final deadline for candidates to withdraw their nomination.
Certification of NominationsAugust 24, 2026The Clerk certifies nominations (by 4 p.m.) and declares any candidates elected by acclamation( after 4 p.m.)
Election Signs PermittedAugust 24, 2026Election signs are permitted (see Sign By-law 2013-15)
Voters' List AvailableSeptember 1, 2026The voters' list becomes available to certified candidates.
Interim Revisions to the Voters' ListSeptember 20 to 30, 2026Updated revisions to the voters' list are available to certified candidates.
Campaign Expense Limits IssuedSeptember 30, 2026Final campaign spending and contribution limit certificates are issued.
Compliance Audit Committee DeadlineOctober 1, 2026Final date for Council to establish a Compliance Audit Committee.
Voting PeriodOctober 21 to 26, 2026Voting takes place by Internet and telephone.
Election DayOctober 26, 2026Voting closes at 8:00 p.m.
Official ResultsOctober 27, 2026The Clerk declares the official election results.
Beginning of New Council TermNovember 15, 2026The new term of office begins for elected members. The Inaugural Meeting will be held November 16, 2026
Campaign Period EndsDecember 31, 2026The campaign period ends for candidates and registered third parties.
Financial Statement Filing DeadlineMarch 30, 2027 (2:00 p.m.)Deadline to file financial statements and auditor's reports, where required.

Additional Resources

Ontario Candidates' Guide

Information from the Province of Ontario regarding candidate eligibility, nominations, campaign finances, and election rules.

Ontario Third Party Advertisers' Guide

Information regarding registration requirements, campaign finances, and advertising rules for third party advertisers.

Running for Municipal Office: Everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate

Resources and guidance designed to support individuals from underrepresented communities who are considering running for municipal office.