Renfrew’s 2026 Municipal Election: your community, your choice, your voice.

This October, residents will elect a Mayor and six Town Councillors to represent our Town of Renfrew community. If you’re a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age, and you live in Renfrew or own or rent property here, you're eligible to vote and run for office.

Every vote counts - and every resident has a voice in shaping Renfrew’s future!

Over the next year, we’ll be sharing important information for candidates and voters alike, including nomination details, voter registration, and how you can get involved.

For more information, visit the Association of Municipalities of Ontario website linked here

Declaration of Municipal Election

 

Election Resources - Voters and Residents

Register to Vote!

Get on the voters list for municipal and provincial elections, all in one place.

Check, update or add your information to the voters list for municipal, district social services administration board, school board and provincial elections in Ontario.

Register now here!

2026 Voters' Guide

The 2026 Voters' Guide is now available for Ontario municipal council and school board elections! 

Find out who is eligible to vote, how to vote and how you can support candidates in Ontario municipal council and school board elections. This guide provides information to voters for the 2026 municipal council and school board elections.

Click here for the MMAH 2026 Voters' Guide

School Support Designations

Did you know your school support designation determines which trustee election you can participate in for in the next municipal and school board elections? 

In Ontario, property owners and tenants can choose which school board they support. This designation also helps determine how you’re listed on the Preliminary List of Electors, placing you on the correct voters list for the municipal and school board elections. 

MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) is legislatively responsible for collecting school support designation data. This information is provided to Elections Ontario to help build and maintain the Preliminary List of Electors. 

School support designations should be reviewed and, if needed, updated by June 1, 2026, to be accurately included on the Preliminary List of Electors for the election on October 26, 2026.  

To learn more about school support and update your designation, visit mpac.ca/schoolsupport

Election Resources - Mayor and Council Candidates

2026 Candidates’ Guide

The 2026 candidates’ guide is now available for Ontario municipal council and school board elections! 

Find out how to run as a candidate in Ontario municipal council and school board elections.  This guide provides information to candidates for the 2026 municipal and school board elections. The information also applies to any by-elections that may be held during the 2026–2030 council and school board term.

Click here for the MMAH 2026 Candidates' Guide

Thinking of Running in the 2026 Municipal Election?

If you're considering becoming a candidate in the 2026 municipal election, please be aware of the rules under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996:

  • Nomination papers can be filed starting May 1, 2026.
  • Campaign expenses may not be incurred until nomination papers are officially filed. This includes costs such as website development, domain registration, promotional materials, and advertising.
  • Any expenses incurred prior to nomination cannot be included in your financial statements and will not be reimbursed.
  • You may express your intent to run through unpaid promotion (e.g., organic social media posts), provided no money is spent.

This is outlined in Section 88.20(1)-(2) of the Municipal Elections Act, which states that no campaign expenses may be incurred until a person is officially nominated.

The Town will be providing further updates on the nomination process in the coming months. If you have any questions, please contact Town Clerk, Carolynn Errett at cerrett@renfrew.ca

Candidate Package Information and Forms

Welcome to the 2026 Town of Renfrew Municipal Election

Please review the Clerk’s Letter for important details on how to register your nomination, along with general information, tips, and guidance.

Stay informed about key milestones for the 2026–2027 Town of Renfrew Municipal Election.

Please review the Important Dates section for nomination deadlines, key filing periods, and other critical timelines to help you stay on track throughout the election process.

Filing your nomination: 

To file your nomination, you must give the following to your municipal clerk: 

For more information on filing your nomination view our Candidate Info Sheet - Nomination Filing

Campaign Contributions and Spending

Campaign funding for municipal elections is regulated to promote transparency and fairness. Only eligible individuals may contribute, and all contributions must follow rules regarding timing, eligibility, and traceability. Campaign expenses include any costs related to running a campaign and must be incurred within the official campaign period and reported in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act.

Scrutineers

Financial Reporting Requirements

Additional Resources

AMO’s Free Workshop Series and Leadership Programs

If you’re considering a run for municipal office, AMO has free resources and workshops to guide you.

  • Lead Where You Live – A complete guide on what municipal councils do, how to serve your community, and how to launch a successful campaign.
  • Candidate Resource Catalogue – Tools and insights on deciding to run, building your team, crafting your message, and getting out the vote.
  • Free Workshops & Leadership Programs – Sessions tailored for first-time candidates, returning officials, youth, and underrepresented communities, including Urban Indigenous candidates.

Explore all resources and sign up for workshops here: Election Resources – Supporting Your Run for Municipal Office in 2026 | AMO

Accessibility

The Town of Renfrew is committed to ensuring that all residents can participate fully in the municipal election process. This Election Accessibility Plan outlines the measures in place to identify, remove, and prevent barriers for voters and candidates with disabilities. Through thoughtful planning and continuous improvement, the Town strives to provide an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming voting experience for everyone in our community.

Town of Renfrew Election Accessibility Plan