The new term of Council will run from November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030.

If you have any questions related to the election, contact the Clerk

Elections Ontario Candidate Information Page 

2026 District School Board Elections

The City of Thunder Bay’s City Clerk is the Returning Officer for school board elections.

For information about the 2026 District School Board Elections go to City of Thunder Bay website.

RESOURCES

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario produces Lead Where You Live 2026: A Guide to running for municipal council.

The Province of Ontario publishes a Municipal Councillor’s Guide that provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of an elected member of council.

The Province of Ontario releases a candidates’ guide for every municipal election.  It is anticipated that the Province of Ontario will release a 2026 Guide in April 2026 and we will update this link at that time. In advance of that time, please see the 2022 Candidates’ Guide – Ontario municipal council and school board elections for information on how to run as a candidate in Ontario.

Key Dates:

Friday, May 1, 2026

First day to file a nomination paper for the offices of Mayor, Councillor and School Board Trustee. Once the nomination paper is filed with the Clerk:

• the candidate can start raising and spending money on their campaign
• preliminary spending limit provided to candidates
• preliminary contribution limit provided to candidates running for Mayor and Councillor, does not apply to School Board Trustee candidates

Friday, August 21 at 2 p.m.

Deadline for candidates to file a nomination, withdraw a nomination or change office

Monday, August 24

Last day for the Clerk to certify candidate nomination papers

Tuesday, September 1

Voters’ List available to candidates

Thursday, October 1

Final spending limits provided to candidates

Final self-contribution limit provided to candidates running for Mayor and Councillor, does not apply to School Board Trustee candidates

Monday, October 26

Election Day

Sunday, November 15

New term of office commences

Thursday, December 31

End of campaign period for candidates and third party advertisers

Last day to file a Notice of Extension, Form 6, to continue campaigning to erase a deficit

Tuesday, March 30, 2027 at 2 p.m.

Deadline for candidates to file the initial financial statement

Wednesday, June 30, 2027

End of extended campaign period

Friday, September 24, 2027 at 2 p.m.

Deadline for candidates and third party advertisers to file the supplementary financial statement, applies only to those who extended their campaign period