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2026 Municipal and School Board Election

The election for the next term of council and school board trustee are taking place on October 26, 2026. 

Municipalities hold elections every four years, giving voters the opportunity to help shape their community's future.

Municipal and school board elections are governed by the Ontario Municipal Elections Act (MEA). The MEA explains how elections must be run and what the rules (procedures and legislation) are for them. This includes the nomination and voting process, voter rights and regulations around fundraising and third party advertisements for candidates.

As a member of the Orangeville community, here are some ways to prepare for the election:

  • confirm you are eligible to vote and on the voters list
  • confirm which school board you support
  • mark your calendar with the key election dates listed below
  • follow the Town of Orangeville here or on social media for updates and reminders

Your vote is your voice

Your vote matters. In a municipal election, voters in Orangeville choose who will lead them over a four year term. These local leaders are the ones who will make decisions shaping the daily lives of those who live, work and play in our community. They work to prioritize Orangeville's dynamic future, shaped by the needs of our community, it's historic charm and guidance from community members, subject matter experts and Town staff.

Votes are cast for the roles of:

  • mayor
  • deputy mayor
  • councillors (five)
  • school board trustee

How do I know if I'm eligible to vote? 

The MEA provides guidance on who is allowed to vote in a municipal and school board election. Only those who are registered on the voters list may cast a ballot. 

You can join the voter's list if you are:

  • a Canadian citizen
  • 18 or older as of October 26, 2026
  • a resident, property owner, or tenant in the municipality you want to vote in
  • not legally prohibited to vote 

Check if you are on the voter's list here: Register to vote

How do I know which school board to cast my vote with? 

Which school board you vote for a trustee with is set by the school board you pay your taxes to. School board designations are managed through the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation's (MPAC) online portal. 

In late spring, the MEA will confirm the school boards you can vote in a trustee for in our area.

Along with choosing your school board, it's a good idea to do the following through MPAC:

  • confirm you are registered with MPAC
  • review your current school support designation (found on your property assessment notice)
  • if you are a tenant, visit the online portal to confirm your school support designation
  • update your school designation by June 1, 2026

MPAC school designation portal

If you are not currently registered with MPAC you can do so by calling 1-866-296-6722.

Please note: if your registration or designation updates are not completed by June 1, 2026, changes will not be reflected on the preliminary list of electors for the 2026 elections.

What method of voting will be used in the 2026 Town of Orangeville municipal election?

New for 2026, the Town of Orangeville will be offering a hybrid election which allows voters to choose whether they want to vote in-person via paper ballot at select times and locations, or online during the defined period from anywhere with an internet connection. 


Are you on the voter's list?

To vote in the municipal and school board election on October 26, you must be registered to vote. 

You can confirm your eligibility, update your information or register to vote at RegisterToVote.ON.ca

Register to vote in Ontario



2026 election general information

The 2026 election will be held on October 26, 2026. Once elected, members of council and school board trustees will serve a four year term beginning in November 2026.

Voters will have a choice in how they vote this election, either in-person by paper ballot, or online. 

Clerks procedures for the 2026 municipal and school board election

Important dates for the 2026 municipal election

  • Nomination period: May 1, 2026 (8:30 a.m.) to August 21, 2026 (2 p.m.)
  • Third party registration: May 1, 2026 (8:30 a.m.) to October 23, 2026 (4:30 p.m.)
  • Deadline for withdrawal of nominations: August 21, 2026 (2 p.m.)
  • Election day: October 26, 2026 (ends at 8 p.m.)

Registered candidates

A current list of registered candidates will appear here in alphabetical order by last name and by office, once papers have been filed. 
 Mayor (one to be elected)
 
 Deputy mayor (one to be elected)
 
Councillor (five to be elected)
 
 School board trustees (one to be elected from each board)
 

Running for council

Are you interested in running in the municipal election? The Town of Orangeville has a municipal council made of up seven leaders:

  • mayor
  • deputy mayor
  • councillors (five)

Note: You can file for nomination in the 2026 election beginning on May 1, 2026. Learn more about filing nomination papers below.

What does it mean to serve on council?

Members of council serve as representatives of the community, chosen by the community, to make decisions on policies, procedures, development, Town services, major projects, infrastructure management and more. As part of council, you will act as a steward of the resources, finances and services provided by the Town, and called on to consider and make decisions on issues that are often complex and sometimes controversial.

Serving on council requires dedication and a desire to look at both the larger and smaller picture. Most of the decisions made will have long-term impacts extending beyond your four-year term of office. Your community will be depending on you to consider those impacts, making decisions that will help Orangeville move towards a strong future.

How much time is involved in the role?

Serving as a member of council requires dedication of a significant amount of time. 

Here's what you can expect:

  • council meetings: two per month, plus any additional special council meetings to items of urgency, budget, training or other additions
    • councillors can also expect to spend time planning ahead of meetings, as there are often numerous lengthy reports, presentations and documents to be reviewed
  • committee involvement: all members of council serve on Town committees, as appointed by council, that meet monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly
    • many committees are actively involved in community initiatives or providing insight to council that could require additional hours
  • external organizations: council members could also be appointed to external organizations where meetings are required, such as the Credit Valley Conservation Authority, Orangeville Public Library Board, Orangeville Business Improvement Area Board of Management, and more
    • dates, times and locations of meetings will vary
  • community engagement: councillors can expect to spend time with community members and residents, responding to concerns and questions, as well as researching the items they bring forward
  • mayor and deputy mayor: as part of council duties, the mayor and deputy mayor also sit on Dufferin County council, which includes its own meeting and committee attendance commitments
 Council meetings
Currently, council meetings generally take place at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month. The fourth Monday of the month rotates between a regular council meeting and a council public meeting. Committees meet at various times throughout the day at various intervals. A current calendar of meetings can be found on our council and committee meeting calendar.
 Remuneration (council member salaries)

In 2025, the Town of Orangeville undertook a council remuneration review utilizing the services of an impartial third-party consultant to establish the remuneration for the next term of council based on comparator municipalities.

Commencing with the 2026-2030 term of council, the annual remuneration for members of council shall be as follows:

  • mayor – $82,358.24
  • deputy mayor – $49,454.60
  • councillor – $44,958.26
Filing nomination papers

To become a candidate in the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election, you must file nomination papers. Here's what you need to know:

  • Nomination papers will be accepted beginning May 1, 2026. Early submissions will not be accepted by the municipality.
  • Appointments are strongly recommended to submit your paperwork and make sure staff are available to accept the nomination. Email [email protected] to book your appointment.
  • The candidate information package is available under "candidate resources" below and will be available in hard-copy for pick-up at Town Hall.
  • Links to all approved forms are included in the Clerk's procedures. 

Provincial nomination and endorsement forms are now available on the Government of Ontario website:

Candidate Resources

Orangeville candidate information package

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing candidate guide

Clerk's procedures

Candidate frequently asked questions
Am I eligible to be a candidate?
  • you must be a Canadian citizen
  • you must be 18 or older
  • you must qualify as a resident or non-resident elector 
Who is not eligible?

The following people are disqualified from being elected to municipal office:

  • any person who is not eligible to vote in the municipality 
  • an employee of a municipality who has not taken an unpaid leave of absence  
  • a judge of any court
  • an MP, an MPP or a senator
  • an inmate serving a sentence in a penal or correctional institution
Required forms and fees

You must file Form 1 (nomination paper) and Form 2 (minimum 25 endorsements) when you submit your nomination along with the appropriate fee. While not required, we recommend obtaining more than the 25 required endorsements to ensure you have a minimum of 25 that are qualified.

Fees as per O.Reg 101/97

  • $100 nomination fee; or
  • $200 nomination fee for head of Council 
  • Payable by cash, cheque or debit
When and how is nomination done?

Candidates who intend to run in the 2026 Municipal Election must file all of the necessary documentation along with the required filing fee during the nomination period, which runs from Monday, May 1, 2026 through Friday August 21, 2026 at 2 p.m. 

Nomination Day on Friday, August 21, 2026 is the last day to file a nomination, by 2 p.m. sharp. 

Filing must be done in person or by an agent (not by mail, email or fax) with the Clerk or designate at 87 Broadway, Orangeville, ON during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.).  

Please ensure you bring your completed Form 1 and Form 2 when you attend the office to file your nomination. When filing, we will also request that the following forms are filled out:

  • Declaration of Qualifications - to be signed in front of a commissioner
  • Candidate's declaration - proper use of voters list
  • Consent to release personal information 
What positions can I run for?

The 2026 Municipal Election is for the following positions: 

  • mayor 
  • deputy mayor 
  • councillors (five)
  • English Language Public District School Board trustee (one)
  • English Language Catholic District School Board (one)
  • French Language Public School Board (one)
  • French Language Catholic School Board (one)
Can I nominate myself?

Yes, you may nominate yourself. Even if another person recommends you for the position, you must complete all the paperwork and be present to file your nomination or file through an agent. You must also obtain and submit the signatures of 25 people eligible to vote in the 2026 Orangeville municipal election who support your nomination.

What if I change my mind after I have submitted my nomination paperwork and want to withdraw or switch to a different position?

A person may withdraw his or her nomination by filing a written withdrawal of nomination form in the Clerk's Office before Friday August 21, 2026 at 2 p.m. 

If you wish to run for a different position, you must re-file your nomination paperwork in the Clerk's Office before Friday August 21, 2026 at 2 p.m., which will trigger your original nomination to be withdrawn. ​You do not need to submit different signatures from the ones you submitted with your initial nomination.

Running for school board trustee

In order to run for a trustee position on a school board you must be a resident within the jurisdiction of the board, and you must be eligible to vote in a school board election. 

You must file Form 1 (nomination paper) and pay the $100 fee when you submit your paperwork. 

Nominations for specific school boards can be filed at the following municipal offices:

  • English Public (Upper Grand District School Board - Orangeville ward) - Town of Orangeville
  • English Separate (Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board) - Town of Caledon
  • French Public (Conseil Scolaire Viamonde) - City of Barrie
  • French Separate (Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir) - City of Brampton

Council information sessions and workshops for those considering running

There is a lot to know about being part of a municipal council before choosing to run for office. Municipal information sessions and workshops are a great way to learn about campaigning, things to consider and how to have a positive experience as a candidate. 

Here are the dates to keep in mind:

  • April 15, 2026, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. - virtual: An Information Session for Youth Considering Running for Municipal Office (hosted by AMO)
  • April 29, 2026, 6:30 p.m. - virtual: 2026 candidate information session (hosted by Dufferin County's lower-tier municipalities and facilitated by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing)
  • May 6, 2026, 7 p.m. - Monora Park Pavilion: 2026 candidate information session (hosted by Dufferin County's lower-tier municipalities and facilitated by Clerks on Call)
  • May 7, 2026, 10 a.m. - Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex: 2026 candidate information session (hosted by Dufferin County's lower-tier municipalities and facilitated by Clerks on Call)

Find out more information about each information session and workshop below.

An Information Session for Youth Considering Running for Municipal Office (AMO)

If you are a youth interested in running for municipal council in October 2026, we have a workshop for you! The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a workshop for young people thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections.

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

Facilitated by three current municipal leaders, Natasha Salonen – mayor of the Township of Wilmot, Cam Wales – councillor, City of Brockville and Aidan Kallioinen – councillor, Town of Espanola, you will gain firsthand insight into:

  • what to expect running as a candidate and as young person 
  • critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
  • understand what it takes to become a candidate
  • strategies for engagement including communication

And more!

Date

  • Wednesday, April 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Registration: free

Additional details: An Information Session for Youth Considering Running for Municipal Office | AMO

Registration link: Meeting Registration – Zoom

2026 candidate information session - Dufferin County municipalities

If you would like to learn more about becoming a candidate in Dufferin County, we encourage you to attend an information session. All prospective candidates are welcome to attend. The sessions are free. 

Virtual session - hosted by Dufferin County's lower-tier municipalities and facilitated by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Date: April 29, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

Registrationorangeville.ca/CandidateSession

In-person sessions - hosted by Dufferin County's lower-tier municipalities and facilitated by Clerks on Call

Dates:

  • May 6, 7 p.m. - Monora Park Pavilion
  • May 7, 10 a.m. - Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex

Session overview:

This engaging and informative workshop is designed to help you make informed decisions before deciding to run for office. The session explores key topics like:

  • understanding why—or why not—to run
  • what to consider before entering the race
  • roles and responsibilities of council members and municipal staff
  • understanding the powers and influence of municipal government
  • the importance of transparency and accountability
  • strategies for engaging with the media and public

Whether you're already committed to running or still deciding, this session will give you the knowledge and confidence to take the next step. 

Third Party Advertising

The Municipal Elections Act, 1996 includes a framework for third party advertising. A third party advertiser is any individual, corporation or trade union that spends funds to cause an election campaign advertisement to appear. All third party advertisers are required to register with the Clerk or designate of the Town of Orangeville. 

Registration for third party advertisers opens May 1, 2026. Your registration must be filed in person at the Town of Orangeville, by appointment. To make an appointment, please email [email protected]

If you want to advertise in more than one municipality, you must register in each municipality where you want to advertise. 

You are eligible to register as a third party advertiser if you are:

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

You are not eligible to register as a third party advertiser if you are:

  • A candidate whose nomination has been filed under section 33 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996;
  • A federal political party registered under the Canada Elections Act 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; or
  • The Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or local board.

What is a third party advertiser?

A third party advertiser is any individual, corporation or trade union that spends funds to cause an election campaign advertisement to appear. A third party advertiser is required to register with the Municipal Clerk, or designate.  

What is a third party advertisement?

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

Third party advertising does not include issues-based advertising, so groups that do public outreach can continue their issues-based advocacy work throughout the municipal election period.

Activities that do not involve spending money, such as discussions or expressing an opinion about a candidate will not be considered to be third party advertising. Examples include:

  • speaking to friends and neighbours
  • posting on social media
  • sending an email to a group or mailing list

Internal communications from an employer to their employees, a corporation to its shareholders, directors, members or employees, or by a trade union to its members or employees will not be considered to be third party advertising.

How to register as a third party advertiser

In order to register, third party advertisers must complete an application in the municipality in which they wish to advertise.

The notice of registration must be filed between May 1, 2026 and October 23, 2026 when the office is open (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. excluding holidays), by appointment by emailing [email protected]

A third party advertiser will be registered and allowed to engage in third party advertising from the date on which the clerk of the Town of Orangeville certifies their notice of registration.

The Notice of Registration - Third Party - Form 7 is now available on the Government of Ontario website.

What are the advertising requirements for publishers and broadcasters?

If approached by third party advertisers, it is very important that broadcasters and publishers adhere to the following mandatory rules:

  • Under Section 88.5 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, broadcasters and publishers may only permit third party advertisements to appear between May 1, 2026 and the close of voting on October 26, 2026;
  • A registered third party must provide the following information to the broadcaster or publisher in writing before the third party advertisements appears:
    • The name of the registered third party.
    • The name, business address, and telephone number of the individual who deals with the broadcaster or publisher under the direction of the registered third party.
    • The municipality where the registered third party is registered.

What information is required on third party advertisements?

Third party advertisers must identify themselves and provide mandatory information on all advertising beginning May 1, 2026.

A third party advertiser must provide the following information on all of its advertisements, signs, and other materials:

  • The legal name of the registered third party advertiser (if the third party advertiser is a corporation or trade union, the name of the corporation or trade union must appear, not the name of the representative who filed the registration).
  • The municipality where the third party advertiser is registered.
  • A telephone number, mailing address or email address where the third party advertiser may be contacted regarding the advertisement.

Do campaign finance rules apply to third party advertisers?

Yes, campaign finance rules for third party advertisers are similar to the rules for candidates.

  • Third party advertisers have spending limits and there are contribution limits for those wishing to contribute to a third party advertiser.
  • Corporations carrying on business in Ontario, and trade unions that hold bargaining rights for employees in Ontario, are permitted to make contributions to third party advertisers but are not permitted to make contributions to candidates.

Resources for third party advertisers

Orangeville third party advertiser package

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing third party advertiser guide

Registered third party advertisers

A list of all registered third party advertisers for the 2026 election will appear here when registrations occur. 

2022 Municipal Election results

Members of council serving on the 2022-2026 term of council were elected to their roles in the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections. Results of that election are available below. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order, under the role they ran for. Successful candidates elected to the roles are noted by an asterisk. 

Mayoral race 

  • Patterson, Jeffrey Wallace – 1,804
  • *Post, Lisa – 2,984
  • Reid, Kim – 277
  • Williams, Jeremy – 839

Deputy mayoral race 

  • Castiglione, Trevor – 1,023
  • *Taylor, Todd – 4,727 

Councillor 

  • *Andrews, Joe – 3,481
  • Bond, Peggy – 2,044
  • Butko, Ximena – 1,800
  • Garisto, Nick – 2,146
  • Jackson, James – 993
  • *Macintosh, Andy – 3,410
  • *Prendergast, Tess – 2,968
  • *Sherwood, Debbie – 3,850
  • Spence, Grant – 975
  • *Stevens, Rick – 2,330