​How can I be sure I am eligible to run for Town Council?

There are several key criteria for running for the seat of Councillor – Ward 2​:

• ​On the day you file your nomination, you must be a Canadian citizen aged 18 or older, and qualify as a resident or non-resident elector (voter) in the municipality. 

• 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 the end of the nomination period must wait until they have turned 18 to file their nomination.

• You do not have to live in Ward 2 in order to be its councillor; however, if you run in a ward where you do not live, you will not be able to vote for yourself. Having a campaign office or a business in a ward where you would not be otherwise eligible to vote does not make you eligible to vote in that ward.

• You must file the appropriate paperwork when you submit your nomination (see Forms section below or to the right).
  

​For more information on this and other topics, please refer to the BWG Candidate Information Guide 2020​.

People who intend to run as candidates in the Ward 2 By-election 2020 must file all of the necessary documentation along with the required filing fee during the nomination period, which runs from September 16 to October 23, 2020.

Filing must be done in person or by an agent (not by mail, email or fax) with the Clerk by appointment at 100 Dissette St., Units 7&8. Appointments may be made during office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) from September 16 to October 22, and until 2:00 p.m. on October 23 ("Nomination Day").

The next section of this menu contains instructions on filing your nomination.

How much is the filing fee?

The nomination filing fee is $100 for the office of Councillor – Ward 2. This fee is refundable when financial statements are received.

Can I nominate myself?

Yes, you may nominate yourself. In fact, even if another person recommends you for the position, you must complete all the paperwork and be present to file your nomination or file through an agent. You must also obtain and submit the signatures of 25 people eligible to vote in BWG who support your nomination.

How can I go door-to-door to collect 25 signatures during COVID-19?

The Clerk will accept electronic signatures (scanned pages) of 25 eligible voters to satisfy the requirement.

Can I run in a different ward than the one where I live?

As long as you are eligible to vote in the municipality, you may run in any ward. If you run in Ward 2 but you do not live there, you will not be able to vote for yourself.

What if I change my mind after I have submitted my nomination paperwork and want to withdraw?

A person may withdraw their nomination by filing a written Withdrawal of Nomination in the Clerk's Office before 2:00 p.m. on October 23, 2020. Withdrawn candidates are still required to file financial statements. The filing fee will be refunded as soon as the financial statement is received.

Are nomination forms available to the public?

Yes, documents and materials filed with or prepared by the Clerk or any other Election Official are public records and, until their destruction, may be inspected by any person at the Clerk’s office at a time when the office is open.​

Nomination papers must be filed IN PERSON by either the prospective candidate or their agent at the Town's Administration Office by appointment at 100 Dissette St., Units 7&8 during the nomination period.

If an agent is filing on the candidate's behalf, the candidate must fill out the forms in advance and sign where indicated, with the exception of the Declaration of Qualifications, which must be signed by the agent in front of the Clerk or designated election official (see below).

WARD 2 CANDIDATES must file:

• Nomination Paper​
  – This form provides detailed information about the person being nominated and declares that they are legally qualified to run. The bottom section (beginning with "Date Filed") will be filled out at the Clerk's office.
  

• Endorsement of Nomination​​
  – This form must include the names, addresses and signatures of 25 people who wish to endorse your nomination. Each person who signs the form must be eligible to vote in BWG themselves. The original document is two pages long – make as many copies as you require to get the signatures of at least 25 people. Electronic or scanned originals will be accepted. Ensure all fields are completed by each person who endorses the nomination.

• Declaration of Qualifications - Council​
  – This form MUST be filled out AT the Town offices and witnessed by a member of the Clerk's office. If the candidate has designated an agent to file the nomination on their behalf, the agent will be expected to sign the paper in their stead.

• Consent to Release Personal Information​​
  – This form lets us know how you wish to be contacted by the Clerk's office and by electors. At minimum, candidates must be willing to have their name made public.

• Authorization for Agent to File Nomination​
  (if needed)
  – IF a candidate wishes to designate someone else to file their nomination papers, that agent must appear at the Clerk's office with all of the forms indicated above PLUS the Authorization for Agent to File Nomination.
  

If you have any questions or concerns about these forms or how to fill them out correctly, you may contact the Clerk's division for assistance in advance or when you come to file a nomination.

Should I book an appointment in order to file my nomination papers?

Booking an appointment is strongly encouraged, as the office currently has restricted capacity due to COVID-19 safety measures. Please contact our office to book an appointment.

What safety measures are in place at the Administration Office for COVID-19?

Upon arrival at the Administration Centre our staff will greet you behind a glass reception area. Hand sanitizer is provided at the entrance and you will be asked to complete the COVID-19 pre-screening. Any visitors to the office that need to go further than the reception area will be logged for contact tracing purposes. In accordance with the new Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit directive on face coverings, visitors are asked to please bring and wear a face covering when inside the office.​

• September 16 – October 23
  Nomination Period
  Timeframe for Candidates to file their Nomination Papers and for Third Party Advertisers to begin to register with the Clerk (deadline for Third Party Advertisers to register is December 4, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.)
  
  
• October 26, 2020
  Voter’s List Available to all Candidates
  
  
• ​ October 27, 2020, 7 p.m. via Zoom
  Candidates' Information Session
  (Details regarding how to participate will be provided mid-October)
  This session will cover the following topics:
• Election Details and Method of Voting
• Role of Council and Councillor
• Campaigning and Campaign Finances
• Questions and Answers​
  

When can I start my campaign?

A candidate’s campaign period begins on the day they file their nomination and ends on Thursday, January 21, 2021. A candidate who has a deficit in their campaign, may continue to receive contributions until January 21, 2021 to obtain additional contributions in order to eliminate the deficit.

What are the rules for campaign signs and advertising?

Candidate campaign advertising means an advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic or other medium that has the purpose of promoting or supporting the election of a candidate, and is subject to regulations established by the Ward 2 By-election 2020 Procedures and the Town’s Sign By-law 2011-23, as amended. Examples include lawn signs, brochures, posters and print, radio and electronic advertisements. Candidates are encouraged to review the Sign By-law 2011-23, as amended.

Can candidates use signs from past election campaigns?

Yes, you may use signs left over from a previous regular election campaign for the Ward 2 By-election 2020; however, it is considered to be a contribution that you make to your election campaign. You must record the current market value (i.e. what it would cost you to buy those signs today) as an expense.  Signs are only permitted to be erected after Nomination Day (October 23, 2020).

Can I use the Town logo or photos from a Town website or social media site on my campaign materials?

No, candidates may not use the Town’s logo or other corporate images (including Town-owned photos) on their own websites (including social media), campaign literature, lawn signs, buttons, clothing or other campaign material.

Candidates MAY re-tweet/share a Town social media post or share a link from Town of BWG websites on their own websites including social media. Candidates wishing to share information/pages from the Town's official websites must do so by providing links rather than screen captures.

The Use of Municipal Resources for Election Purposes Policy establishes rules and procedures which prohibit the use of municipal resources during the election campaign period. Candidates should review the Use of Municipal Resources for Election Purposes Policy for more information.

Can I campaign at public events?

You may NOT campaign at events that are hosted by the Town. These include the annual events highlighted at the top of the Town's Events webpage, as well as any other events such as public information sessions or open houses. Wearing a campaign T-shirt, hat, button or other apparel is considered campaigning.

You may campaign at private events held on private property. Additionally, a private organization or candidate may rent a Town space (such as a community centre when available) for a campaign or other event and permit campaigning if they choose, so long as all campaigning activity and signage is limited to the interior space.  All public health instructions and guidelines related to COVID health and safety, including physical distancing and masks must be followed.

Can I have a campaign office?

You may set up a campaign office on private property. An Election Sign may be placed, erected or displayed at a Campaign Office provided that:

(a) the Candidate has filed their nomination or in the case of a Registered Third Party, registered with the Clerk, Chief Electoral Officer or the returning officer of the electoral district, as applicable; and

(b) the Election Sign at the Campaign Office may be larger than 16 square feet, provided they otherwise comply with the provisions within the Town’s Sign By-law, as applicable.

Yes, you may use an existing bank account provided that it is ONLY used for campaign revenue and expenses.

Can contributions come from anyone who lives in the province?

Yes, contributions can be accepted from an individual who is normally a resident in Ontario. If a spouse of a candidate is not normally a resident in Ontario, they can still make a contribution but only to the candidate’s campaign and not any other candidate.

Can a candidate accept contributions from a business account?

No, a candidate shall not accept contributions from a corporation, or trade union; non-Ontario residents; a federal political party; constituency organizations; registered candidate in a provincial or federal election; a municipal or provincial government; or a school board.

Can candidates only accept personal cheques?

Contributions that are $25 or less can be made in cash. All contributions above $25 must be made by cheque, money order or by a method that clearly shows where the funds came from. All cheques must come from personal accounts and not from a business account, ex. Smith & Sons Co.

What type of records should candidates keep respecting campaign contributions?

Candidates shall keep a list of names and addresses of every contributor who gives more than $100 total to their campaign in the financial statement. Candidates should keep a record of the names and addresses of each contributor regardless of the value of their contribution. Candidates should refer to the MMAH Candidates’ Guide for Ontario municipal council and school board elections and the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 for more information regarding their campaign contributions and expenses records.

Do candidates have to issue receipts to all contributors?

Yes, candidates must issue a receipt for every contribution they receive. The receipt should show who made the contribution, the date and value. If the contribution was in goods or services, candidates must determine the value of the goods or services and issue a receipt for the full value.​

As a councillor, you have representative, policy-making and stewardship roles to play in your municipality. Often these roles will overlap. You will be called on to consider and make decisions on issues that will sometimes be complex and controversial. Most of those decisions will have long-term consequences for your municipality that extend beyond your term of office, and should be made in the context of your municipality’s directions for the long-term health and welfare of your community.

The time commitment can be significant. In addition to two council meetings a month, this may include sitting on committees, public meetings and events to take part in, as well as considerable time spent talking with and responding to the residents in your ward. The amount of time required to prepare for a Council or committee meeting can be several hours per week due to the number of lengthy reports to be read in advance.

How much are Council members paid?

A BWG Council position is not considered or expected to be a full-time position. Council annual remuneration, as of January 1, 2020, is as follows:

- Councillor $23,767.18 plus expenses

- Deputy Mayor $29, 749.81 plus expenses

- Mayor $44, 609.19 plus expenses​