Civic leaders wanted: to run in October election

A person casts their ballot on municipal election day on November 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

For those who feel a civic duty to help their community, it’s time to dust off your comfortable walking shoes.

Nominations for the 2026 Municipal Election open May 1 at 8:30 a.m.

To help prospective candidates, the City of Barrie is hosting two information sessions to explain the nomination and registration process.

Residents interested in running in the 2026 Municipal Election for mayor, councillor, or school board trustee are invited to attend the following information sessions:

Session 1: Hosted by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) on May 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in city council chambers (second floor of city hall at 70 Collier Street). Attend in person or join virtually via Zoom.

Session 2: Hosted by Barrie’s election team on May 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in council chambers. Attend in person or join virtually.

Each session covers different aspects of running for municipal office, providing valuable insight into the role of a council member and helping prospective candidates determine whether serving the Barrie community is the right fit.

Starting May 1, nominations will be accepted for the following offices, and registrations will be accepted for third-party advertisers:

• Mayor
• Councillor
• Members - Simcoe County District School Board
• Members - Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board
• Members - Conseil scolaire Viamonde
• Members - Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir

The nomination period for the 2026 Municipal Election closes at 2 p.m. on August 21.

A candidate list will be made available after the first nomination is received and will be updated as additional nominations are submitted.