Municipal Elections

Municipal Elections 2006 Guide

This guide is prepared for information purposes only.  Reference should always be made to the relevant legislation and regulations.

Questions with respect to municipal elections can be directed to your municipal clerk or the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Municipal Services Offices.

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Minister’s Message for Municipal Elections 2006 Guide

I am pleased to provide this Municipal Elections 2006 Guide for the upcoming municipal election.

Municipalities and school boards need dedicated and knowledgeable councillors and trustees.  The ways to bring this about are for you to stand for office or to vote for those who do.  Your decision to participate in this municipal election as a candidate or voter is important to you and your community.

The law pertaining to municipal and school board elections, the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, has remained substantially unchanged from the 2003 municipal elections, with the possible exception of one notable change.

The Budget Measures Act, 2006, which contained the provision for the term of office to be extended to four years, received Royal Assent on May 18^th 2006. The new term will begin December 1, following this fall's municipal elections.

There are a number of potential benefits to longer terms of office.  A four-year term offers more time for a council or school board to forge an agenda, implement it, and then seek the people’s judgement.  In addition, municipal councils and school boards would have similar time horizons to those of federal and provincial governments in which to plan for the community and implement those plans.

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario and many municipalities have requested for a number of years that the term of office for local government representatives be extended. School board associations have also said they are in favour of such reform. 

This publication will serve as your guide to the electoral process for Ontario's municipal councils and school boards.  It will describe your opportunities and responsibilities both as a voter and as a candidate.

I am pleased to extend my best wishes to all those who have accepted the important challenge of running for municipal or school board office.

John Gerretsen
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing