Campaign Bank Account
You must open a bank account exclusively for your campaign if you accept any monetary contributions (including from yourself or your spouse) or if you incur any expenses.
You do not need to open a campaign bank account if:
- you do not spend any money, and
- you do not receive any monetary contributions.
If you receive only contributions of goods or services (and no money), you are also not required to open a campaign bank account.
You cannot use your personal bank account for campaign finances.
All contributions — including those you make to yourself — must be deposited into your campaign bank account. All expenses must be paid from this account.
The nomination fee is considered a personal expense, not a campaign expense. You do not need to have a campaign bank account to pay the nomination fee.
Contributions
Campaign contributions include any money, goods or services given to you for use in your campaign — including contributions you make to yourself.
You may only accept contributions from individuals who normally reside in Ontario. Corporations and trade unions are not allowed to contribute to candidates.
You may only accept contributions during your campaign period, which begins on the day you file your Nomination Form and ends on March 5, 2026.
If you withdraw your nomination, your campaign ends on the date you file your Withdrawal of Nomination.
Financial Statements
All candidates must file a Financial Statement with the Town Clerk by 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
You are responsible for keeping records of all financial activities related to your campaign. Review the Financial Statement form early in your campaign to ensure you are capturing all the required information.
You must file a Financial Statement even if:
- you did not spend any money, or
- you withdrew your nomination.
Campaign Surplus
If your campaign ends with a surplus, you may refund the value of contributions that you and your spouse made. You are not permitted to refund eligible contributions made by anyone other than you or your spouse.
If a surplus still remains, it must be paid to the Town Clerk when you file your financial statement. You, or your agent, must file your financial statement in-person at the Town Administration Building (99 Advance).
Penalties for Not Filing
Under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, a candidate will automatically receive penalties if they:
- fail to file a financial statement by the end of the 30-day grace period, or fail to apply for an extension by the filing deadline
- exceed their spending limit, as show in their financial statement
- fail to turn over any surplus to the Town Clerk when filing their financial statements
Penalties include:
- being ineligible to run for office or fill a vacancy until after the 2026 election
- forfeiting the office if elected