Information for Candidates

To qualify as a candidate for the office of mayor or councillor, you must be:

• A Canadian citizen
• At least 18 years of age​​ (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 before filing their nomination.)
• A resident of BWG, or ​an owner or tenant of land in BWG, or the spouse of the owner or tenant
• Not legally prohibited from voting
• Not disqualified by any legislation from holding municpal office

You are not eligible to be a candidate if you are:

• A BWG employee, unless an unpaid leave of absence is taken​ and the employee resigns if elected
• ​A judge of any court​
• A member of the Provincial Legislature, the Federal House of Commons or Senate who has not resigned from their office by the close of nominations
• A candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement or exceeded the prescribed spending limit in the last municipal election

A person may be disqualified from being a candidate if they:

• Are no longer a Canadian citizen
• Are not a BWG resident, of the owner or tenant of land in BWG, or the spouse of such owner or tenant
• Would be prohibited by any legislation from voting in an election

To qualify as a candidate for school board trustee, you must be:

• A Canadian citizen
• At least 18 years of age​​ (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 before filing their nomination.)
• Meet any other qualifications to vote for the school board (for example, being a Roman Catholic, or holding French language rights). 
• A resident in the area of jurisdiction of the school board​
• Eligible to vote for members of the school board
• Not legally prohibited from voting
• Not disqualified by any legislation from holding office​

​A person who is qualified to be elected as a member of a school board, can be elected as a member of that school board for any geographic area in the school board's jurisdiction.

You are not eligible to be a school board trustee candidate if you are: 

• An employee of any school board or school authority
• A clerk or treasurer or deputy clerk or deputy treasurer of any municipality, within the area of jurisdiction of the school board 
• ​​A member of the Provincial Legislature, the Federal House of Commons or Senate ​
• ​​​​​A candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement or exceeded the prescribed spending limit in the last municipal election

A person may be disqualified from being a school board trustee candidate if they:

• Are no longer a Canadian citizen
• Are not a resident within the area of jurisdiction of the school board
• Are no longer eligible to vote for members of the school board
• Would be prohibited by any legislation from voting in an election

People who intend to run as candidates in the 2026 Municipal Election must file all of the necessary documentation along with the required filing fee during the nomination period, which runs from May 1 to August 21, 2026. 

Filing must be done in person or by an agent (not by mail, email or fax) with the Clerk at 100 Dissette St., Units 7&8 during the following hours:

• From May 1 to August 20 during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).  
• On August 21 ("Nomination Day") between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

 Book an Appointment to File your Nomination

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

How much is the filing fee?

The filing fee is $200 for the office of Mayor and $100 for all other offices (including municipal councillors and school board trustees). Payment can be made by cash, debit, credit, or cheque payable to Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.

What positions can I run for?

• 1 Mayor (elected at large)
• 1 Deputy Mayor (elected at large)
• 7 Councillors (1 Councillor elected for each ward)
• 1 Trustee for the English Language Public District School Board
• 1 Trustee for the English Language Catholic District School Board
• 1 Trustee for the French Language Public School Board (nominations accepted by the City of Barrie)
• 1 Trustee for the French Language Catholic School Board (nominations accepted by the City of Barrie)

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

A candidate filing their own nomination may fill out the forms in advance or at the Clerk's office (with the exception of the Endorsement of Nomination which must be completed in advance). 

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 Town staff member.

Municipal Council 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 the 2026 BWG Municipal Election themselves.  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 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. 

What forms and documents do I need as a School Board Trustee Candidate?

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

A candidate filing their own nomination may fill out the forms in advance or at the Clerk's office (with the exception of the Endorsement of Nomination which must be completed in advance). 

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 Town staff member.

School Board Trustee 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.

Declaration of Qualifications - School Board Trustee

• ​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​ 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. 

 What do I need to know about campaigning?

A candidate's campaign period begins on the day they file their nomination and ends on December 31, 2026. A candidate who has a deficit in his or her campaign may continue to receive contributions until December 31, 2026, 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 channels, that has the purpose of promoting or supporting the election of a candidate, and is subject to regulations established by the BWG 2026 Municipal Election Procedures and the Town's Election Signs By-law 2026-027. Examples include lawn signs, brochures, posters and print, radio, and electronic advertisements. It is best practice that campaign advertisements do not contain any logo, crest, symbol, trademark, or insignia, in whole or in part, that is not owned by the Candidate or Registered Third Party. Candidates are encouraged to review the Election Signs By-law 2026-027.

Can candidates use signs from past election campaigns?

Yes, you may use signs left over from a previous campaign for the 2026 municipal election; 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.

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-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 on 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 permittable Town space 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. 

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 his or her 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.

Candidates are required to open a separate bank account for campaign expenses. All contributions – including contributions candidates make themselves – must be deposited into the campaign bank account. All expenses must be paid for from the campaign account (with the exception of the nomination fee).

All candidates, including - those not elected, those who withdraw their nomination, and those whose nomination is rejected by the Town Clerk - must disclose and report their contributions and expenses, using the Financial Statement - Auditor's Report - Candidate Form 4.

A Candidate's campaign period starts on the date the nomination is filed and ends on December 31, 2026, or, if the nomination is withdrawn, on the date of withdrawal.

Financial Statements are to be filed with the Town Clerk no later than 2:00PM on March 30, 2027.

Should a Candidate file a Form 6 - Notice of Extension of Campaign Period to extend their campaign, the Candidate will be required to file supplementary filings.

Can contributions come from anyone who lives in the province?

Yes, contributions can be accepted from an individual who is normally 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 the 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 four-year 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 bi-monthly council meetings, 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.

The Mayor also sits on Simcoe County Council.

• Mayor: $68,689.47 plus expenses
• Deputy Mayor: $41,897.59 plus expenses
• Councillor: $33,482.58 plus expenses

Yes, you may nominate yourself. 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. For all offices except school board trustee, you must also obtain and submit the signatures of 25 people eligible to vote in the 2026 Municipal Elections who support your nomination.

As long as you are eligible to vote in the municipality, you may run in any ward. 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.

A person may withdraw his or her nomination by filing a written Withdrawal of Nomination in the Clerk's Office before 2:00 p.m. on August 21, 2026. Withdrawn candidates are still required to file financial statements. The filing fee will be refunded as soon as the financial statement is received.

If you wish to run for a different position or in a different ward, you must re-file your nomination paperwork in the Clerk's Office before 2:00 p.m. on August 21, 2026, which will trigger your original nomination to be withdrawn.  You do not need to submit different signatures from the ones you submitted with your initial nomination. An additional filing fee may be required.

Location: Zima Room, BWG Public Library and Cultural Centre, 425 Holland Street W.

Come and have your questions answered by municipal staff. This informal drop-in opportunity gives attendees the chance to speak directly with knowledgeable staff, ask questions about the municipal election process, and get clarification on anything related to running for Council.

Location: Lobby, BWG Public Library and Cultural Centre, 425 Holland Street W.

Held Virtually on Zoom: us02web.zoom.us/j/87022889189

*In partnership with New Tecumseth, Town of Innisfil, Township of Essa, and Township of Adjala-Tosorontio.