Last chance to run: Nomination deadline approaching for 2026 Municipal Election
BRACEBRIDGE, ON (August 17, 2026) – There are only a few days left for individuals interested in serving the community to put their name forward as a candidate in the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election.
The nomination period ends on Friday, August 21, and nomination papers must be filed with the Clerk no later than 2 p.m. All nomination documentation must contain original signatures and be filed in person, by appointment only with the Clerk at the Municipal Office, 1000 Taylor Court, Bracebridge.
Offices available for election
Individuals can put their name forward for the following Town of Bracebridge and District Council positions:
- Mayor – one position, elected at large by all voters in Bracebridge;
- District and Town Councillor – three positions, elected at large by all voters in Bracebridge;
- Bracebridge Ward Councillor – one position;
- Monck/Muskoka Ward Councillor – one position;
- Macaulay Ward Councillor – one position;
- Draper Ward Councillor – one position; and
- Oakley Ward Councillor – one position.
There are also opportunities to run for School Board Trustee, including one trustee to represent Bracebridge on the Trillium Lakelands District School Board, as well as trustee positions for the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario and Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir. Filing locations vary by school board.
The term of office for those elected will run from November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030.
What you need to file
Individuals seeking to become a candidate must provide proof of identity and qualifying address, their completed nomination paper, declaration of qualification and the applicable filing fee.
Candidates for Mayor and Councillor positions must also provide at least 25 endorsements of nomination from eligible Bracebridge voters. These endorsement forms, as well as nomination papers, must contain original signatures. Endorsements are not required for School Board Trustee candidates.
A person cannot raise or spend money on their campaign until their nomination paper has been filed.
To book an appointment or ask questions about the nomination process, contact Lori McDonald, Clerk, at lmcdonald@bracebridge.ca or 705-645-5264 ext. 3200.
Complete candidate information, eligibility requirements, nomination forms, election procedures and important dates are available at bracebridgevotes.ca.
About Bracebridge – The Town of Bracebridge is located in the Heart of Muskoka, the epitome of Canada’s Cottage Country. With a population in excess of 17,000 permanent residents that doubles during the summer months, the community has a diversified economy that is highlighted by strong construction, hospitality and professional sectors. Bracebridge is the steward of the cottage country brand and is teaching the world the power of living the Muskoka lifestyle in its spirit, the arts, food, home and recreation. The Town is positioned on the 45th parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, and is recognized as Santa’s summer home.
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