Become a Candidate

So you want to run for Council?

Residents interested in running in the upcoming Municipal Election for the 2026-2030 term are invited to attend a workshop for prospective candidates on Thursday, April 30, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  

The session will take place in Council Chambers at the District of Muskoka, 70 Pine Street, Bracebridge, ON. 

Hosted in partnership with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Clerks on Call, this workshop will walk attendees through election essentials and what it means to serve on Council.

Registration is not required. All residents considering candidacy (or those who simply want to learn more about how municipal governance works) are encouraged to attend.

A person is qualified to be elected or hold office as a member of council (Mayor, District & Town Councillor, or Ward Councillor) only if, as of the day they file their
nomination, they are:

  • Entitled to be an elector under the MEA, s.17(2)
    • A Canadian citizen;
    • At least 18 years of age;
    • A resident in the local municipality, or the owner or tenant of land in the local municipality, or the spouse of such a person; and
    • Not prohibited from voting as noted or otherwise by law.
  • Not disqualified for violation of financial requirements or violations of requirements for filing financial information.
  • Not disqualified by any Act from holding such office.
  • Not disqualified under the provisions as outlined in MEA, s.90(2) and 91(1).

Candidates are responsible for ensuring they meet all qualifications before filing nomination papers.

A person is qualified to be elected or hold an office as a school board trustee only if, as of the day they file their nomination, they are:

  • Entitled to be an elector under the MEA, s.17(2)
    • A Canadian citizen;
    • At least 18 years of age;
    • Not prohibited under the Act from voting or otherwise by law.
  • Qualified to be a member of the school board in accordance with the Education Act, s.219
    • A resident within the school board's area jurisdiction; and
    • Qualified to vote for members of that school board (a supporter of that school board).

Candidates are responsible for ensuring they meet all qualifications before filing nomination papers.

Mayor

One (1) to be elected at large by all voters in the municipality

District and Town Councillors

Three (3) to be elected at large by all voters in the municipality

Councillor (Huntsville and Chaffey Ward)

Two (2) to be elected by all voters in Huntsville and Chaffey Wards

Councillor (Stisted, Stephenson, and Port Sydney Ward)

Two (2) to be elected by all voters in Stisted, Stephenson and Port Sydney Wards

Councillor (Brunel Ward)

One (1) to be elected by all voters in Brunel Ward

Trillium Lakelands District School Board (English-Public)

One (1) to be elected to represent the Town of Huntsville and the Township of Lake of Bays

Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (English-Separate)

One (1) to be elected to represent the District of Muskoka and Parry Sound Area 5

Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario (French-Public)

One (1) to be elected to represent Zone A

Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir (French-Separate)

One (1) to be elected to represent Simcoe-Muskoka

Nominations to be filed may be made by completing and filing the following:

  • Nomination form
  • Declaration of Qualification form
  • Endorsement of Nomination form (a minimum of 25 signatures) 
  • Identification showing name, qualifying address, photo and signature
  • Nomination Filing Fee ($200 for Mayor or $100 for all other offices)

Note: endorsement signatures are NOT REQUIRED for School Board Trustee Candidates.

All nomination forms must include original signatures.

Nominations must be filed by appointment only, with the Clerk at Town Hall during the following times:

  • May 1 to August 20, 2026: Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays), from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • August 21, 2026 (Nomination Day): from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    Candidates must notify the Clerk of their presence in the building (Huntsville Civic Centre/Town Hall) before 2:00 p.m. on Nomination Day.

A person may not raise or spend campaign funds until their nomination paper has been filed.

Anyone interested in becoming a candidate should review the 2026 Candidates' Guide - Ontario Municipal Council and School Board Trustees provided under Forms and Documents.

Key Dates

A full list of important election deadlines is available on the Key Dates page.

Election Resources

Additional election information and resources are available on the Election Resources page.

Contact Us

Town of Huntsville
37 Main St. East
Huntsville, Ontario
P1H 1A1

Open Monday to Friday 8:30 – 4:30
Phone: 705-789-1751 option 0
Fax: 705-788-5153
Email Us