Local Government
Municipal elections give residents a voice in shaping the future of the Municipality of Callander. Elections are governed by the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 and are held every four years. This page provides information for voters, prospective candidates, and anyone interested in participating in local democracy.
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Election Snapshot
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Thinking of Running for Council?Serving on Council is an opportunity to help shape the future of the Municipality of Callander. Prospective candidates are encouraged to understand the eligibility requirements, responsibilities, and key election dates before submitting a nomination. To be a candidate, you must:
Learn more about what it means to serve on Council, including expected time commitments, governance responsibilities, and required policies. Candidate nomination forms and information will be available once the nomination period opens. |
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Nomination Period Nomination Deadline |
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| Certification of Nominations August 24, 2026 by 4:00 p.m. |
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Official List Posted: |
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| Third Party Registration May 1 – October 23, 2026 |
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| Voters’ List Registration Until August 14, 2026 |
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Lame Duck Period (Triggered if <5 current members run): |
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Preliminary Voters' List Released to Candidates: |
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Election Sign Placement: |
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Vote By Mail Packages are mailed out: During the period of September 24-29, 2026 |
Vote By Mail Packages are mailed out: During the period of September 24-29, 2026 |
| Election Day Monday, October 26, 2026 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
Election Day Monday, October 26, 2026 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
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End of Campaign Period (last day for income/expenses): |
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Financial Reporting Deadline: |
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Late Filing Deadline (subject to $500 fee): |
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Term of Office |
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The Municipality of Callander will use Vote by Mail for the 2026 Municipal Election. Ballot packages will be mailed to eligible voters with instructions on how to complete and return them during the timeframe of September 24-29. Further instructions on voting by mail will be made available shortly.
You can vote if you are:
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The Municipality of Callander is committed to ensuring municipal elections are accessible to all eligible voters. Election accessibility measured and voter assistance options will be communicated through official election notices prior to voting days.
Your school support designation determines which trustee election appears on your ballot for the upcoming municipal election and your vote determines the allocation of education taxes.
School Boards Serving Callander:
Update your designation by June 1, 2026 using MPAC’s Online School Support Tool.
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Councillors are elected by residents to represent the community and help guide the direction of local government. Council acts collectively to:
Representing the Community
Councillors bring forward resident concerns, ideas, and priorities while considering the broader public interest.
Policy and Program Oversight
Councillors participate in policy development and decision-making in accordance with provincial legislation and municipal bylaws.
Financial and Governance Responsibility
Council members review budgets, establish priorities, and help ensure responsible use of public funds.
Participation in Meetings and Committees
Councillors attend Council meetings and may serve on committees or boards, requiring preparation and informed decision-making.
Working with Municipal Staff
Councillors operate within a governance model that distinguishes Council’s role from staff responsibilities.
Serving on Council involves a significant time commitment throughout the four-year term, including meetings, preparation, resident engagement, community events, and staying informed on municipal and provincial issues.
Nomination papers must be signed by the candidate and filed in person or by an agent (no fax or email).
Potential candidates are required to make an appointment with the Municipal Clerk to ensure availability to receive the nomination. Please call 705-752-1410 to make an appointment to file your nomination paper.
Nominations may be made by completing and filing nominations on the prescribed form, including acceptable identification (must be valid and contain the candidate's name, qualifying address and signature), the prescribed nomination filing fee ($200 for the Office of Mayor, $100 for Councillor), and such other documentation as required for the filing process. The filing fee is payable by cash, debit, certified cheque, bank draft or money order payable to the Municipality of Callander.
A candidate is entitled to receive a refund of the nomination filing fee if they file the documents under s.88.25(1) - the financial statements and auditors report, on or before 2:00 p.m. on the filing date. In the case of the 2026 regular election, the filing date is Tuesday, March 30, 2027 for the reporting period ending December 31, 2026.
If, after having filed a nomination form, a candidate wishes to file a nomination for a different office in the same election, the first nomination shall be deemed to have been withdrawn at the time the second nomination is filed.
If a greater number of candidates are certified than are required to fill the said office, there will be an election. If the number of nominations for an office is less than the number of candidates to be elected an additional Notice of Nomination will be advertised on the website only and additional nominations may be filed between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on the Wednesday following Nomination Day (August 26, 2026).
School Board Trustee Nominations
School board trustee nominations are handled by specific municipalities depending on the school board. For the correct municipality, please choose the school board you wish to nominate for:
Potential third party advertisers are required to make an appointment with the Municipal Clerk to ensure availability to receive the nomination. Please call 705-752-1410 to make an appointment to file your registration form.
The following are not permitted to register:
If third party advertisers want to advertise in more than one municipality, they will have to register in each of the municipalities where they intend to advertise.
There is no registration fee for third party advertising, but the Municipal Clerk must examine the registration and then certify the notice of registration if deemed compliant, or reject the registration.
When filing as a third party advertiser, you must present acceptable identification.
Required Forms:
Notice of Third Party Registration - Form 7
Official election results will be published following certification by the Clerk.
For election-related questions, voter information, or nomination inquiries:
Municipal Clerk
Municipality of Callander
Phone: 705‑752‑1410
Email: clerk@callander.ca
280 Main Street North, Callander
Official notices and time‑sensitive election updates will be posted through News & Alerts.