Candidates
Nomination period
The nomination period for candidates in the City of Peterborough's municipal election is open from Friday, May 1 until Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Candidate 101 – So You Want to Run for Council
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 7 p.m. | Market Hall
Anyone interested in running for City Council or learning more about local government is invited to attend an information session outlining the roles and responsibilities of municipal council members.
Hosted by Nigel Bellchamber, this free event will take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, 140 Charlotte St. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions, meet new people, learn about the responsibilities, expectations and realities of public office.
This session is designed as an informative guide for anyone considering municipal leadership and is ideal for potential candidates, their spouses or partners, and anyone interested in learning more about municipal government. It will be recorded and posted on the City of Peterborough's YouTube channel.
Resources for Candidates
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario is offering a series of free workshops for people thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections. Click on the links below to register:
An Information Session for Youth Considering Running for Municipal Office
Running for Municipal Office-Everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate
Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities - Session 1 (Community members)
An Information Session for Urban Indigenous Peoples Considering Running for Municipal Office
As well as the workshops listed above the Association of Municipalities of Ontario has a comprehensive guide to running for municipal council:
AMO Lead Where You Live: A Guide to Running for Municipal Council
Local Leadership Starts Here!
Local government shapes everyday life, from roads and taxes to recreation, libraries, and community growth.
If you are thinking of running for Council plan to attend the upcoming orientation session, hosted by Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing:
Candidate and Third Party Advertiser Training
April 8, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cavan Monaghan Community Centre, 986 County Road 10, Millbrook, ON
This session is free to attend but registration is required.
Register for Candidate and Third Party Advertiser Training
Learn about:
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Who is eligible to run or advertise
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How the nomination process works
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Roles and responsibilities of Council members
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Campaign finance rules and requirements
Stay After the Presentation!
Election staff representing each Township in the County and the City of Peterborough will be on-site to provide answers and share municipality-specific election information!
Campaign Financial Information
As required under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, an Interim Certificate of Maximum Campaign Expenses is based on the number of electors on the Voters' List for 2022.
Interim Certificates of Maximum Campaign Expenses are certified by the City Clerk and provided to potential candidates in a candidate's package following the filing of their nomination papers.
| Position | Parties and Expressions of Appreciation | Self-Contribution Limits | Maximum Campaign Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | $6,286.39 | $20,526.80 | $62,863.90 |
| Ward 1 | $1,604.66 | $7,599.20 | $16,046.60 |
| Ward 2 | $1,614.26 | $7,621.80 | $16,142.65 |
| Ward 3 | $1,596.07 | $7,579.20 | $15,960.75 |
| Ward 4 | $1,531.64 | $7,427.40 | $15,316.45 |
| Ward 5 | $1,689.66 | $7,799.20 | $16,896.60 |
Please note these limits are based on the electors numbers from the 2022 Voters' List. A final spending limit will be sent by Registered Mail to the address provided on the nomination forms, no later than Wednesday, September 30, 2026. It will be based on the Voters' List for the 2026 municipal election. In the event of a mail strike, alternative means will be used and communicated to the candidate in advance. The higher calculated amount will prevail.
Contact Us
City Hall
500 George St. N.
Peterborough, ON
K9H 3R9
Phone: 705-742-7777
Toll Free: 1-855-738-3755
Email Us