Information for Candidates

The Municipality of Trent Hills Council is made up of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and five Councillors. In addition to local responsibilities, the Mayor represents Trent Hills on the upper-tier Council for the County of Northumberland.

Council meets once per month for a regular Council meeting and once per month for a Public Meeting, except in January. Special meetings are scheduled as required, including Special Budget meetings, which generally occur toward the end of each calendar year. Members of Council also serve on various Advisory Committees, each with a specific mandate that supports municipal operations and community priorities.

Candidate registration for the 2026 Municipal Election may be filed in person or by an agent with the Returning Officer as of Friday, May 1, 2026.

Key Dates for the 2026 Municipal Election: 

  • Nomination Period Opens: 9:00 am on May 1, 2026
  • Nomination Day (Deadline to File): August 21, 2026, by 2:00 p.m.
  • Election Day: October 26, 2026

Have a question? Please connect with the Clerk's Office. 

Filing your Nomination

The nomination period for the 2026 municipal elections runs from May 1, 2026, until August 21, 2026. Nomination can be filed with the Clerk by appointment only.

Nomination papers must be signed by the candidate and may be filed in person at the Municipal Office at 66 Front Street South, Campbellford, during the following times:

  • May 1 to August 20, 2026: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday
  • Friday, August 21, 2026 (Nomination Day): between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Please contact the Clerk's Office to book an appointment to file your nomination papers. 

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)
    • $200 – Mayor
    • $100 – Deputy Mayor and/or Councillor
  • Endorsements (Form 2)*
    • Candidates for Mayor, Deputy Mayor or Councillor must also submit 25 endorsements using the prescribed Declaration of Qualification (Form 2).
    • Endorsers must be eligible to vote in the Municipality of Trent Hills on the day they sign.
    • Each eligible voter may endorse more than one candidate
    • All endorsements must be completed and signed on Form 2

Those wishing to run for School Board Trustee must file their nomination with the Town of Cobourg Municipal Office, located at 55 King Street West, Cobourg. Candidate Information Package for School Board Trustees.

Those wishing to run for French School Board Trustee must file their nomination with the City of Oshawa Municipal Office, located at 50 Centre Street South, Oshawa.

* Having trouble opening this form? If you see a “Please wait…” message or the form does not display properly, your browser may not support this document. To access the form:

 - Right-click the link and select “Save link as…”
 - Download the file to your computer
 - Open it using Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download)

Candidate Information Package

This guide provides information that is pertinent to candidates running for municipal office in the Municipality of Trent Hills. This document is intended only as a guide, and prospective candidates are responsible for ensuring they comply with all requirements of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.

Candidate Information and Nomination Package

Candidate Information Sessions

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 participates 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 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.
  • Workshop for Underrepresented Candidates: Led by former municipal leaders, this session provide practical guidance and insider perspectives for those from underrepresented communities, while remaining open to all participants. The workshop explore what it takes to become a candidate, key strategies for running a successful campaign, how to develop effective messaging, and ways to use community engagement to build visibility and support.

    Register for the Workshop for Underrepresented Candidates.

Hosted by Northumberland County in partnership with local municipalities and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing)

  • Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
  • Time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: Northumberland County Headquarters, 555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg, ON K9A 5J6

Why Attend?

These information sessions are intended to provide prospective candidates with key information needed to understand the process and requirements to run in the 2026 Municipal Election. The sessions are open to anyone interested in running for office or learning about the upcoming election.  

*Registration is not required to attend.

Qualification for Municipal Office

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

  • Reside in the Municipality of Trent Hills, or be the owner or tenant of land in the Municipality of Trent Hills, 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

Candidate Resources

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 to fulfil 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

Candidates Finances

The Office of Mayor is one of seven that make up Northumberland County. The Corporation of the County of Northumberland is the upper-tier level of municipal government that weaves together seven distinct, yet complementary municipalities.

The governance structure in our area is made up of 7 member municipalities (lower-tiers) and 1 County (upper-tier). Candidates who are elected (or acclaimed) to the office of Mayor in the 7 member municipalities will serve as members of Northumberland County Council. Northumberland County Mayoral & Council Candidates Guide

The Association of Municipalities Ontario has prepared a guide to running for municipal council called "Lead Where You Live."

Contact Us

Municipality of Trent Hills
66 Front St S, PO Box 1030
Campbellford, ON K0L1L0
T. 705-653-1900
F. 705-653-5203

info@trenthills.ca

 

Land Acknowledgement

We recognize the traditional keepers of this land and, specifically our neighbours of the Alderville First Nation, with a formal territorial acknowledgement.

Welcome to the Gunshot Treaty Lands of 1788. It is on these lands and on the shores of the big lake, the Mississauga Anishinabeg met with the Crown to facilitate the opening of these lands for
settlement.

Let us be reminded of the responsibility we all have in making sure that we respect these lands and waters that give us life and sustain our livelihoods.