Candidate Information

Who can run for Council

To run for municipal Council, you must meet the following requirements: 

  • be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years of age 
  • be a resident or non-resident elector in the municipality where you are filing your nomination 
  • be eligible to hold office on the day your nomination is filed 

For more detailed guidance, consult the Ontario Municipal Councillor’s Guide.

As per the Municipal Election Act, 1996, the Nomination period for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election closed on August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.  Therefore, the Town of Penetanguishene is no longer accepting nominations.

Candidate Resources

Candidates who submitted nomination packages by August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. and were certified by Election staff are official candidates in the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election.  These candidates are outlined on the certified list.  Candidates must adhere to the following guidelines and policies established my the municipality throughout the campaigning period.

North Simcoe Candidate Training Session provided by MMHA at Bourgeois Community Centre in Midland Tuesday April 7, 2026 at 6:00p.m.
North Simcoe Candidate Training Session provided by MMHA - Virtual Tuesday April 21, 2026 at 6:00p.m.
Nomination Starts Friday May 1, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.
Nomination Day (Deadline for nominations) Friday August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Certification of Nomination Papers Monday August 24, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Election Signs may be erected Monday August 31, 2026
Voters' List Available Tuesday September 1, 2026
Voting Starts (Telephone and Internet) Tuesday October 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Voting Day (Paper Ballot) Monday October 26, 2026 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Declaration of Official Results ASAP after Voting closes
Deadline to remove Election signs Saturday October 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Term of Office Starts Sunday November 15, 2026
Inaugural Meeting of Council Wednesday November 25, 2026
Candidate Deadline to Submit Financial Report Wednesday March 31, 2027

Information for Third Party Advertisers

A third party advertisement refers to an advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic or other medium that promotes, supports or opposes a candidate in the election, or, a "yes" or "no" answer to a question on the ballot.

Ontario residents, corporations and trade unions that will incur expenses for such advertisements must register as a third party advertiser with the Clerk before they can begin advertising. Registration to be a third party advertiser for the 2026 Municipal Elections will begin at 8:30 am on Friday, May 1, 2026 and end at 4:30 pm on Friday, October 23, 2026. Additional information regarding the registration process and requirements will be available in early 2026.

Only the following persons and entities are eligible to file a notice of registration:

  • An individual who is normally a resident in Ontario.
  • A corporation that carries on business in Ontario.
  • A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario.

Persons and entities that are not eligible to file a notice of registration include:

  • A candidate whose nomination has been filed under Section 33 of the Municipal Elections Act.
  • A federal political party registered under the Canada Elections Act (Canada) or any federal constituency association or registered candidate at a federal election endorsed by that party.
  • A provincial political party, constituency association, registered candidate or leadership contestant registered under the Election Finances Act.
  • The Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or local board.

Websites of Interest

Town of Penetanguishene
10 Robert Street West,
Penetanguishene, ON
L9M 2G2
T: 705-549-7453
F: 705-549-3743

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