Candidate Forms & Resources

aerial view of a desk and laptop, with the Muskoka Lakes Votes logo

Next Term of Council: November 15, 2026 - November 14, 2030

Candidate Filing Package

  1. Nomination Form
  2. Endorsement of Nomination - fillable form - requires Adobe Reader 8 or higher                                  Endorsement of Nomination - printable version
  3. Declaration of Qualification - Municipal Council Candidate
  4. Acknowledgement of Release of Personal Information - Municipal Council Candidate
  5. Candidate's Declaration Proper Use of Voters List
  6. By-law 2025-121 - Election Sign By-law with set fines
  7. Estimated Certificate of Maximum Campaign Expenses - Candidate
  8. Information for Financial Institutions
  9. Notice to Candidate of Filing Requirements
  10. Notice to Candidates of Penalties under Subsections 88.23-2 and 92 -1 of the Municipal Elections Act and Filing Fee Refund Requirements
  11. Financial Statement - Auditor's Report Candidate - fillable form - requires Adobe Reader 8 or higher                  Financial Statement - Auditor's Report Candidate - printable version
  12. Financial Statement – Subsequent Expenses - fillable form - requires Adobe Reader 8 or higher                          Financial Statement – Subsequent Expenses - printable form
  13. Notice of Extension of Campaign Period
  14. Candidate Request for Information Form
  15. Acknowledgement and Undertaking - Use of Municipal Resources Policy
  16. Policy C-LS-13 - Use of Municipal Resources Policy
  17. Candidates Guide
  18. District Municipality of Muskoka Candidate Information for the 2026 Municipal Election

Full printed packages are available at the Township Office and will be reviewed during the filing appointment with the Township Clerk.

 

Candidate Information Session & Workshop

Thinking about running in 2026? Join us for an interactive workshop that walks you through how municipal government works, what serving on Council really involves, and the realities of campaigning and public life—so you can make an informed, confident decision.

Presenters: Colin Johnston, Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing and Clerks on Call 

Details
Date: Thursday, April 30
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: District of Muskoka Council Chambers (70 Pine St., Bracebridge)
How to prepare: Come with your questions and curiosity!

If you are unable to attend in person, please contact the clerk for alternate options. 

Helpful Resources

2026 Candidates Guide

Learn about running as a candidate in an Ontario municipal election.

Download the 2026 Candidates Guide

Municipal Councillors Guide

Learn more about the role of council, councillor and staff in a municipal setting.

Explore the roles

Workshops, Events & Guides

Stay election-ready with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. 

Learn more with AMO

Township Strategic Plan

See the 2024-2028 path forward for the Township.

 

Explore the Plan

Long Term Capital Financing Outlook

View the Capital Reserves and Long-term Capital Financing Update.

Read the Director of Finance's Update

Contact & Support

Running for office can feel like a big step, especially if it is your first time. The Clerk’s office is available to help with questions about nominations, forms, deadlines, and the election process.

For more information about municipal elections at the Township of Muskoka Lakes including historical election data, please contact:

Crystal Best-Sararas, Director of Legislative Services/Clerk

Telephone: 705 765-3156 Ext. 211
Fax: 705-765-6755
Email the Clerk

Cheryl Hollows, Manager of Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk 

Telephone: 705 765-3156 Ext. 212
Fax: 705-765-6755
Email the Deputy Clerk 

Contact Us

Township of Muskoka Lakes
1 Bailey St., P.O. Box 129,
Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0
T: 705-765-3156 F: 705-765-6755

Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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