Candidate Information

Thinking of Running for Municipal Council?

For those considering running for office, there are a number of associations and organizations that develop helpful resources. Many of these resources are still being updated for the 2026 election. Check back often to see what's available!

To file your nomination, you must make an appointment with the Municipal Clerk. Appointments can be booked online using this calendar.

2026 Candidate Information Package Book an Appointment to File a Nomination

What do candidates need to know?

Elections for municipal government are held every four years on the fourth Monday of October. The length of term for all municipal elected officials is four years. The current term started in 2022 and ends in 2026. The next municipal election will be held Monday, October 26, 2026.

In municipal elections in Ontario, unlike other levels of government, candidates are not elected to represent a political party.

Eligible candidates for municipal elections must be:

A Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old
A resident of the municipality, a non-resident owner or tenant of land in the municipality or the spouse of such non-resident owner or tenant
Not legally prohibited from voting; and not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office.

Resources for Potential Candidates

Reflection Guide for Prospective Municipal Councillors

Prospective Candidate Workbook

2026 Municipal Candidate Training

Nomination Information

To file your nomination, you must make an appointment with the Municipal Clerk. Appointments can be booked online using this calendar.

Nominations must be filed with the Clerk in the following manner:

in person or through an agent, using the prescribed forms “Nomination Paper 2026” (Form 1);
with the prescribed declaration “Endorsement of Nomination 2026” (Form 2) by at least 25 persons endorsing the nomination who are eligible to vote, if a regular election was held on the day that person endorses the nomination; (No signature of a person shall be obtained at the Municipal Office, property or parking lot surrounding the Municipal Office. No Town of Saugeen Shores employee shall sign a form during office hours or while actively working in a municipal capacity, including meetings or municipally sanctioned events).
by appointment during regular office hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Municipal Office from Friday May 1, 2026 to Thursday August 20, 2026 and between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Friday August 21, 2026 (Nomination Day);
with the prescribed nomination filing fee of $200.00 for Head of Council and $100 for all other offices – the filing fee shall be paid by cash, debit card, certified cheque or money order payable to the ‘Town of Saugeen Shores’;
with proof of identity and residence as prescribed in O. Reg. 304/13;
no faxed or other electronically transmitted nomination paper will be accepted – original signatures are required;
Candidates shall take a “Declaration of Qualifications” (Form 10);
Candidates shall be provided a “Notice of Collection/Consent to Release Personal Information” (Form 12); and,
Candidate shall be provided with the "Estimated Maximum Campaign Expenses - Council" (Form 13).

The Clerk, or designate will administer the necessary oaths and declarations.

By-laws, Policies, and Procedures

Candidate Information Package 2026

Municipal Election Procedures 2026

Election Sign By-law 72-2015

Delegation of Authority to CAO during Restricted Acts Period By-law 66-2022

Use of Corporate Resources for Election Purposes Policy

2026 Election Accessibility Plan

Forms

Please be advised that some forms may not open correctly depending on the device or browser. If you encounter any issues accessing the documents online, please download the forms directly or contact the Clerk’s Office for assistance. Paper copies are also available upon request.

Form 1 - Nomination Paper 2026

Form 2 - Endorsement of Nomination 2026

Form 3 - Withdrawal of Nomination 2026

Form 4 - Financial Statement Auditor Report Candidate 2026

Form 5 - Financial Statement – Subsequent Expenses 2026

Form 6 - Notice of Extension of Campaign Period 2026

Form 7 - Notice of Registration Third Party 2026

Form 8 - Financial Statement Auditor Report Third Party 2026

Form 9 - Declaration of Identity 2026

Form 10 - Declaration of Qualifications - Council

Form 11 - Declaration of Qualifications - School Board Trustee

Form 12 - Notice of Collection Consent to Release Personal Information