The following offices are to be elected, at large:

• Mayor (1)
• Councillor (4)

To be eligible to run for the office of Mayor or Councillor, you must be:

• A Canadian citizen
• At least eighteen (18) years of age
• A resident of the Township of Hornepayne or an owner or tenant of land in the Township of Hornepayne (or the spouse of the owner or tenant)
• Not legally prohibited from voting; and
• Not disqualified from holding office by by any legislation

Disqualified Persons

The following people are disqualified from holding the office of Mayor or Councillor:

• A judge of any court
• A member of the Provincial Legislature, the Federal House of Commons or Senate who has not resigned from their office by the close of nominations. Proof of resignation must be provided by the close of nominations; or
• A candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement or exceeded the prescribed spending limit in the last municipal election or by-election

Township of Hornepayne Employees

Township of Hornepayne employees who wish to run for the office of Mayor or Councillor must take an unpaid leave of absence prior to filing a nomination. Documentation proving the leave of absence is required upon nomination filing.

To be eligible to run for the office of School Board Trustee, you must be:

• A Canadian citizen
• At least eighteen (18) years of age
• A resident in the area of jurisdiction of the applicable board
• Not legally prohibited from voting; and
• Not disqualified from holding municipal office by any legislation

Disqualified Persons

The following people are disqualified from running for the office of school board trustee, or from holding office on any school board:

• A Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer of any municipality within the area of jurisdiction of the school board except those on an unpaid leave of absence
• A member of the Provincial Legislature, the Federal House of Commons or Senate who has not resigned from their office by the close of nominations. Proof of resignation must be provided by the close of nominations
• A candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement or exceeded the prescribed spending limit in the last municipal election or by-election

School Board Employees

• Employees of any school board (including supply teachers) are disqualified from being elected as school board trustee or from holding office on any school board, except during a leave of absence.
• The employee must be on a leave of absence before filing their nomination paper. Documentation proving leave of absence is required.

Area of Jurisdiction 

If you want to run for School Board Trustee, you must live within that applicable School Board's area of jurisdiction. 

To become a candidate in the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election, you are required to file your nomination in person with the Clerk or their designate. The first day to file a nomination is Friday, May 1, 2026, and thereafter, candidates may file nominations on any business day (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm) until Nomination Day.

On Nomination Day, Friday, August 21, 2026, nominations may be filed between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm.

To file a nomination, you must submit the following:

1. A completed Nomination Paper - Form 1
2. An Endorsement of Nomination - Form 2 containing at least twenty-five (25) original signatures (applicable for the offices of Mayor and Councillor only)
3. The applicable nomination filing fee (to be paid by cash, debit, certified cheque or money order, made payable to Township of Hornepayne)
   • $200.00 for Mayor
   • $100.00 for Councillor or School Board Trustee
4. An acceptable piece of identification 

Original signatures are required on all forms. Digital signatures are not acceptable. 

If an agent is filing a nomination on behalf of a candidate, the agent must provide all of the above, express written authorization from the candidate for whom they are filing, as well as their own identification. 

Appointments for nominations are required. To schedule a nomination appointment, email clerk@hornepayne.ca or call 807-868-2020 x202. Please note that appointments last approximately thirty minutes and are scheduled on a first come, first served basis.

Candidates filing a nomination must present valid acceptable identification (ID) showing name, qualifying Hornepayne address and signature. This can be one piece of ID or a combination of two pieces of ID.

One piece of ID showing name, qualifying Hornepayne address and signature, including:

• Ontario Driver’s Licence
• Ontario Health Card (photo card with address)
• Ontario Motor Vehicle Permit (plate portion)
• Cancelled personalized cheque
• Mortgage, lease or rental agreement
• Insurance policy
• Loan or financial agreement with a financial institution
• Document issued or certified by a court in Ontario
• Any other document from the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government
• Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada)

Or

Two pieces of First piece of ID showing name and signature, including:

• Ontario Driver’s Licence
• Ontario Health Card
• Ontario Motor Vehicle Permit (plate portion)
• Canadian passport
• Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
• Certificate of Indian Status
• Veterans Affairs Canada Health Card
• Social Insurance Number Card
• Old Age Security Card
• Credit card
• Debit card
• Employee Identification card
• Student Identification card issued by a post-secondary institution
• Union Identification card or professional licence card
• Cancelled personalized cheque
• Mortgage, lease or rental agreement for property in Ontario
• Insurance policy
• Document issued or certified by a court in Ontario
• Any other document issued by the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government
• Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada)

Second piece of ID showing name and qualifying Hornepayne address:

• Ontario Motor Vehicle Permit (vehicle portion)
• Income Tax Assessment Notice - T1
• Child Tax Benefit Statement
• Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E
• Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS)
• Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P)
• Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions
• Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Works
• Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program
• Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007
• Property tax assessment
• Insurance statement
• Mortgage, lease or rental statement for property in Ontario
• Credit card, bank account, RRSP, RRIF, RHOSP or T5 statement
• CNIB Card or a card from another registered charitable organization which provides services to persons with disabilities
• Hospital card or record
• Document showing campus residence issued by the office or officials responsible for student residence at a post-secondary institution
• Utility bill for hydro, water, gas, telephone or cable TV or a bill from a public utilities commission
• Cheque stub, T4 or pay receipt issued by an employer
• Transcript or report card from a post-secondary school
• Document issued or certified by a court in Ontario
• Any other document issued by the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government
• Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada)

Candidates must comply with campaign finance rules as set out in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. You will also be required to file a Financial Statement - Form 4 after the Election, within a prescribed timelines, that reflects the money you raised and spent on your campaign.

Some important finance rules to keep in mind include:

• You cannot raise or spend any money on your campaign until you file a nomination paper
• You must open a bank account for your campaign if you intend to spend any money or accept any contributions
• Individuals can contribute up to $1200 for any one candidate with a maximum $5000 limit for donations to all candidates
• You must collect the full name and address of everyone who contributes money or goods/services to your campaign
• You cannot accept contributions from corporations or trade unions; and
• You must follow spending and contribution limits provided to you when you file your nomination

Friday, May 1, 2026

Nomination Period Begins
Candidates may begin filing nomination forms starting Friday, May 1, 2026, and may continue to file on any business day thereafter until Nomination Day (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm).

On Nomination Day, Friday, August 21, 2026, nomination forms may be submitted between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm s.33(4)(b).

Candidates may begin campaigning once they have filed their nomination forms.

Third-Party Advertiser Registration Period Begins
Individuals, corporations, or trade unions may file the prescribed form with the Clerk to become a registered third-party advertiser. Restrictions apply regarding who is eligible to register. s.88.6(7).

Friday, August 21, 2026

Nomination Day (nomination period ends)
The last day to file a nomination. On this date, nomination forms may only be submitted between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm s.33(4)(b).

The last day for a candidate to withdraw their nomination is by filing a written notice with the Clerk no later than 2:00 pm s.36.

Monday, August 24, 2026

The Clerk shall examine all filed nomination forms before 4:00 pm and, if satisfied, certify the nominations s.35(1),(2).

By 4:00 pm, the Clerk shall also declare any candidate(s) elected by acclamation. s.37(1).

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Voters’ List
The Clerk shall make the Voters’ List available to eligible individuals upon written request. S.23(2),(3),(4).

Monday, October 26, 2026

Voting Day
Eligible voters can vote anything from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Voter Information Letters (VILs) will be mailed to electors in advance and will contain voting locations, and other pertinent information.

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Declaration of Results
As soon as possible, the Clerk shall declare the results and advise the public. s.(4),(4.1).

Sunday, November 15, 2026

New Term of Office Commences
Elected members must take the oath of office before assuming their seats.

Thursday, November 19, 2026

Inaugural Meeting of Council

Thursday, December 31, 2026

Campaign Period Ends
Last day for candidates and registered third-party advertisers to provide written notice of a deficit and the continuation of their campaign period. s.88.24(2), s.88.28.

Tuesday, March 30, 2027

Filing Date
By 2:00 pm, the last day for candidates and registered third-party advertisers to file initial financial statements and auditors' reports. s.88.30(1).

2026 Candidates' Guide: Ontario Municipal Council and School Board Elections

2025-2027 Municipal Elections Calendar

Lead Where You Live: A Guide to Running for Municipal Council

Leading With Respect Handguides

Municipal Act, 2001

Municipal Elections Act, 1996

The Ontario Municipal Councillor's Guide

Join AMO’s new online workshop series for leaders seeking re-election or first-time aspiring candidates—offered at no charge for participants

Through expert facilitation, guided peer-to-peer discussion, and practical takeaways, you’ll leave each session with fresh insight, renewed energy, and a stronger foundation for leadership.

Free online workshop for leaders seeking re-election or first-time aspiring candidates

This workshop series is being offered for no charge in two streams. CLICK Here to register:

Stream 1: For elected officials at the municipal level across Ontario who are considering re-election in 2026 and preparing their path forward.

NEW DATES ADDED (Click here to register for new dates):

• • April 23, 2026
  • May 7, 2026

Stream 2: For community members considering a run for municipal office in 2026—first-time candidates who want to build confidence before launching a campaign. Civic-minded leaders who want to explore whether elected office is right for them.

NEW DATES ADDED (Click here to register for new dates):

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Focused specifically on underrepresented candidates, this 90-minute workshop provides useful insights and strategies to support you in getting your name on the ballot.

Facilitated by former municipal Councillors Steve Anderson and Jasvinder Sandhu, you will be taken through:

• What to expect running as an underrepresented candidate
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• Identifying your target audience,
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Date:

• June 9, 2026 (6:30-8 p.m.)

Registration: FREE (Click here for the registration link)

Information session for youth considering running for municipal office

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• Strategies for engagement including communication
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Dates:

• Wednesday, April 15, 6:30-8:00PM

Registration: FREE (Click here for the registration link)

Information session for urban indigenous peoples considering running for municipal office

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of workshops for urban Indigenous peoples thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections.

These sessions will provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and confidence around how to become a candidate and running a campaign.

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Dates:

• Wednesday, May 6,  6:30 – 8:30pm
• Wednesday, June 3, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Full Workshop Details

Registration: 

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Register Here