Information for Candidates

Nomination Papers may be filed in person, or by agent, with the Town Clerk or designate. Nominations will be accepted by appointment during the following dates and times at the Town Municipal Office located at 5 Main Street North, Grand Valley: 

Friday, May 1, 2026, to Thursday, August 20, 2026, during regular business hours (Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. excluding holidays), and on Friday, August 21, 2026 (Nomination Day) between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Nominations must be completed on the prescribed form with the required nomination fee of $200 for Mayor and $100 for all other offices. 

Candidate Nomination Packages contain all of the information you need to become a candidate. Beginning on April 30, 2026, hard copies of the packages will be available at the Municipal Office to pick up during regular business hours (no appointment is required). 

Once you've completed the required forms, appointments may be scheduled by emailing the Town Clerk at mtownsend@townofgrandvalley.ca  or contacting the Clerk at 519-928-5652 ext. 222.

Municipal Council is made up of one (1) Mayor, one (1) Deputy Mayor and three (3) elected Councillors. 

The Town of Grand Valley is responsible for the coordination and management of the municipal election for Grand Valley.  In accordance with the Municipal Elections Act (1996), the Clerk conducts elections every four (4) years for the offices of: 

Mayor
Deputy Mayor
Councillors
Upper Grand District School Board (English-Public School Board Trustee)
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (English-Separate (Catholic) School Board Trustee)
Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir (French-Separate (Catholic) School Board Trustee)
Conseil Scolaire Viamonde (French-Public School Board Trustee)

An individual is qualified to be elected or hold office as a member of Council only if, as of the day they file their Nomination Paper, they are: 

• Entitled to be an elector under the Municipal Elections Act (1996) (the "MEA"), s. 17(2)
• A Canadian citizen
• At least 18 years of age
• A resident in the local municipality, or the owner or tenant of land in the local municipality, or the spouse of such a person, and 
• Not prohibited from voting as noted or otherwise by law.
• Not disqualified for violation of financial requirements or violations of requirements for filing financial information.
• Not disqualified by any Act from holding such office.
• Not disqualified under the provisions as outlined by the MEA, s. 90(2) and 91(1). 

An individual is qualified to be elected as a school board trustee if they are: 

• A Canadian citizen
• At least 18 years of age
• A resident within the area of jurisdiction of the school board
• Eligible to be an elector of that school board for which the person is a candidate
• Not disqualified by any Act from holding such office.
• Not ineligible to vote in the municipality
• Not an employee of a school board unless they take an unpaid leave of absence before being nominated, and resigns if elected
• Not a judge of any court
• Not a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, a Senator or a member of the House of Commons
• Not an inmate of a penal or correctional institution under sentence of imprisonment
• Not disqualified for violation of financial requirements or violations of requirements for filing financial information

Yes, the filing fee must accompany the Nomination Paper.  The prescribed fee is $200.00 for the head of Council (Mayor) and $100.00 for all other offices.

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of workshops for people thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections.

For information on the sessions and other offerings please visit AMO's website AMO Education Workshops | AMO

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Municipal elections and governance guides are expected to be updated in early Spring.  

The Ontario Municipal Councillor's Guide

Municipal Elections in Canada: A Guide for Women Candidates

Candidate Nomination Packages contain all of the information you need to become a candidate.  Beginning April 30, 2026 hard copies of the packages will be available at the Municipal Office for pick up during regular business hours (no appointment is required).  Digital copies of the documents which comprise the package are available via the links below: 

Additional Resources

Are you considering running in the 2026 Municipal Election? 

Join this workshop to gain useful insights and strategies focused on underrepresented communities

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of workshops for people thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections. Focused specifically on diverse candidates, this free 90-minute workshop provides useful insights and strategies to support you in getting your name on the ballot. While these workshops do offer a focus on individuals from underrepresented communities, all are welcome. 

Facilitated by former municipal councillors Steve Anderson and Jasvinder Sandhu, you will be taken through:

• what to expect running as a diverse candidate
• critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
• understand what it takes to become a candidate
• identifying your target audience
• developing effective messaging and branding
• utilizing community engagement practices to enhance visibility and support

And more!

Registration is free.

Dates:

• February 4, 2026 - 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• April 8, 2026 - 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Location:

Virtual

More information: Running for Municipal Office - Everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate | AMO

Registration: Meeting registration - Zoom

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 series of workshops for young people thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections.

These sessions 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!

Dates:

• Wednesday, February 18, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• 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

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 and no pre-registration required. 

SESSION DATES:

Virtual 

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

Wednesday, April 29, 2026  @ 6:30 p.m.   
Registration Link: orangeville.ca/CandidateSession

In-Person 

Hosted by Dufferin County's lower-tier municipalities and facilitated by Clerks on Call. 

Attend either date. Stay after the session to connect with the trainers and ask questions.

• Wednesday - May 6, 2026 at 7 p.m.
  Monora Park Pavilion - 500 Monora Park Pavilion Road, Mono, On L9W 0E1 
• Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 10 a.m. 
  Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex
  200 Fiddle Park Lane, Shelburne, ON L0N 1S0

Information Contact: 

Meghan Townsend, CAO/Clerk
Town of Grand Valley 
519-928-5652 ext. 222 / mtownsend@townofgrandvalley.ca