To run for Council (Mayor, District Councillor, or Ward Councillor), you must be:

• a resident of Lake of Bays, or
• a non‑resident owner or tenant of land in Lake of Bays, or
• the spouse of an owner or tenant
• a Canadian citizen
• 18 years of age or older
• not legally prohibited from voting
• not disqualified from holding municipal office
• able to provide at least 25 signatures from eligible Lake of Bays voters

Candidates are responsible for ensuring they meet all qualifications before filing nomination papers. 

To become a candidate in the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election, a person must show proof of their identity and qualifying address, including a photo and signature, their nomination paper and the appropriate filing fee ($200 for Office of Mayor, $100 for all other offices).

Candidates for Mayor and Councillors must provide at least 25 endorsements of nomination from eligible Lake of Bays voters. The nomination paper and endorsement of nomination forms must have original signatures.

A person can only become a candidate during the Nomination Period. The Nomination Period starts on Friday May 1, 2026 and ends on Friday August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

All nomination documentation MUST contain original signatures. 

Nominations must be filed in person BY APPOINTMENT ONLY with the Clerk at the Municipal Office during the period:

• Friday May 1, 2026 through to Thursday August 20, 2026, Monday to Friday (statutory holidays excepted) between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Friday August 21, 2026 (Nomination Day) between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. On Nomination Day, candidates must make their presence known to the Clerk prior to 2:00 p.m.

Until a nomination paper is filed, a person cannot raise or spend any money on their campaign.

For those who are interested in becoming candidates, please refer to the forms and documents below.