The Council for the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand is comprised of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and three (3) Councillors. The Mayor also serves as Councillor on the upper-tier Council for the County of Northumberland.

There is one (1) regular Township of Alnwick/Haldimand Council, one (1) Committee of the Whole, and one (1) Municipal Planning / Regular Council meeting per month, with the exception of August. Special meetings are called as required. Council members are also required to take part in Advisory Committee meetings and sit on external Local Boards, such as the Alnwick Haldimand Public Library Board and Conservation Authorities.

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is hosting free online workshops to support individuals who are interested in running for municipal office in the 2026 Municipal Election.

These sessions are designed to help participants understand what it means to run for council, build confidence, and prepare for the nomination and campaign process.

-        Stream 1: For elected officials at the municipal level across Ontario who are considering re-election in 2026 and preparing for their path forward.

-        Stream 2: For community members considering a run for municipal office in 2026 – first time candidates who want to build confidence before launching a campaign.

You can find more information, and register, here.

-        Youth Information Session: A dedicated session for youth considering a run for municipal office, focusing on eligibility, roles and responsibilities of council, and how young people can get involved in local government. This session is intended to help youth understand the legislative framework and pathways to candidacy under Ontario’s municipal election rules.

Register for the Youth Information Session here.

The nomination period for the 2026 municipal elections runs from May 1, 2026 until August 21, 2026. Nomination forms will be available beginning May 1, 2026 from the Office of the Clerk.

Filing a Nomination

Nomination papers must be signed by the candidate and may be files in person at the Township office at 10836 County Road 2 during the following times:

-        May 1 to August 20, 2026: during regular business hours, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday

-        Friday, August 21, 2026 (Nomination Day): between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Nomination Requirements

When filing a nomination, candidates must bring the required documentation:

-        Proof of identity

-        Completed Nomination Paper (Form 1)

-        Filing Fee (refunded upon successful filing of campaign financial statements)

o   $200 – Mayor

o   $100– Deputy Mayor

o   $100 – Councillor

Endorsements (Form 2)

Candidates for Mayor of Councillor must also submit 25 endorsements using the prescribed Declaration of Qualification (Form 2).

Please note:

-        Endorsers must be eligible to vote in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand on the day they sign

-        Each eligible voter may endorse more than one candidate

-        All endorsements must be completed and signed on Form 2

A candidate for municipal office must, upon nomination, be a qualified municipal elector and fulfill all of the following requirements:

-        Reside in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, or be the owner or tenant of land in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, or the spouse of such owner or tenant; and

-        Be a Canadian citizen; and

-        Be at least 18 years old; and

-        Not be legally prohibited from voting; and

-        Not be disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office.

Please note: You must be eligible to hold office on the day you file your nomination. For example, a person who is 17 years old but will turn 18 before nomination day must wait until they have turned 18 to file their nomination.

Who is not eligible?

-        Any person who is not eligible to vote in the municipality

-        An employee of the municipality who has not taken an unpaid leave and resigned

-        A judge on any court

-        An MP, MPP or Senator

-        An inmate serving a sentence in a penal or correctional institution

• Nomination period opens                                 Friday, May 1, 2026

*Campaign period begins when a candidate files their nomination papers.

• Nomination period closes                                 Thursday, August 21, 2026

*Paperwork must be filed by 2:00 p.m.

• Candidates are Certified                                  Monday, August 24, 2026

*All candidates will be certified by the Clerk by 4:00 p.m. and before any acclamations are announced

• Election day                                                    Monday, October 26, 2026

• Term of office commences                               Sunday, November 15, 2026

*The inaugural meeting of Council is scheduled for Tuesday, November 24, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

• Municipal Elections Act, 1996

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• Municipal Act, 2001

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Your role as a councillor is intricate and involved. You will find yourself dealing with complex and sometimes contentious issues. Even the most seasoned councillor will encounter new questions. Knowing where to go for information on the roles, requirements and relationships of local government will help you fulfill your role. This guide covers topics that are important to know throughout your term of office as a municipal councillor or head of council.

MMAH Candidate Guide

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Coming Soon

Municipal elections in Ontario are held every four years, on the fourth Monday in October, and are governed by the Municipal Elections Act. Municipal elections are how residents choose the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Council who make decisions about local roads, recreation, land use planning, waste and recycling, community safety, and other services that affect daily life in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand. Participating in local elections helps ensure Council reflects the needs and priorities of the community.

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All residents of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand must be on the Register of Voters to cast a ballot during municipal elections.

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Now you can register once to vote in both provincial and local elections. Visit RegisterToVoteON.ca for information on eligibility, registration, and how to confirm, update, or add yourself to the Register.

Register to Vote with Elections Ontario

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• Campaign Period                                                      Friday, May 1, 2026

*Begins when a candidate files their nomination papers.

• Voter’s list revisions                                                   September 1 to October 26, 2026

*Individuals may file an application, including acceptable identification as in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, to make additions, corrections or deletions of own information to the Voters’ List. A person may submit an application requesting that a deceased person’s name be removed from the voters’ list.

• Voter Identification Letters mailed                               To be announced

*Voter Identification Letters are printed and mailed to electors for the purposes of casting votes by internet or telephone. An exact date for mailout is to be determined, but voters should expect letter in early October. Notice will be given when letters are mailed out. Please check back for further details.

• Advanced voting days                                                Friday, October 16 to October 25, 2026

• Election Day                                                             Monday, October 26, 2026

• Term of office commences                                         Sunday, November 15, 2026

*The inaugural meeting of Council is scheduled for Tuesday, November 24, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.