Candidate Contact Information

Mayor - one (1) to be elected

Councillor Ward 1 - two (2) to be elected

Councillor Ward 2 - one (1) to be elected

Councillor Ward 3 - one (1) to be elected

School Board Trustee - English Public - one (1) to be elected

School Board Trustee - English Catholic- one (1) to be elected

School Board Trustee - French Public - one (1) to be elected

School Board Trustee - French Catholic - one (1) to be elected

1. How can I vote?
   You can vote by internet or telephone.

2. Can I vote in-person with a traditional paper ballot?
   You can visit a Voter Assistant Centre to vote, however you will still cast your vote using the online voting portal. There will be no paper ballots. Dates and times of the Voter Assistant Centres are listed in the "Information for Voters" tab found below.

3. When can I vote?
   You can vote from October 13, 2026 10:00am to October 26, 2026 8:00pm.

4. When will I receive my Voter Information Letter (VIL)?
   You will receive your VIL in the mail by October 13, 2026.

5. What do I do if I don't receive a VIL?
   If you don't receive a VIL and you think you are eligible to vote, contact the Township Office for assistance.

6. What do I do if I my PIN is not working for the online voting portal or the telephone voting system?
   If your PIN is not working, contact the Township Office for assistance.

Candidates may submit questions to the Township, through the Clerk, throughout the 2026 Municipal Election period. All questions and answers are shared with all Candidates to support impartiality. Questions received and the Township’s responses are provided below.  

This page will be updated as additional questions and responses are circulated.

Questions from Candidates

1.     Is a candidate’s personal contact information shared by the Township?

Yes, after the nomination period closes, candidate contact information, as provided by the candidate, will be posted on the Township website.

2.     Can a candidate enter a campground for campaign purposes?

Several pieces of legislation refer to rules surrounding access for campaign purposes: Municipal Elections Act, Residential Tenancies Act, Trespass to Property Act, etc.

Candidates are responsible for their own research and decisions regarding access to certain properties.

3.     When can I receive a copy of the Voters’ List?

The list will be available for distribution after September 1, 2026.

4.     When can I put up Election Signs?

Election Signs can be put up after August 12, 2026.

5.     Are permanent campers permitted to vote in the election?  If so, please advise what they need to do to become registered.

Permanent campers are potentially eligible to vote in the municipal election. They will also need: to be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age, not be prohibited from voting under the Municipal Elections Act or otherwise by law, and hold a valid lease or rental agreement for a period of six weeks or more during the calendar year in which the election is held.

The potential voter can register on the Elections Ontario “Register to Vote” website: https://www.registertovoteon.ca/ , until August 12, 2026. Alternately, they can register with the Clerk, in person, after September 1, 2026.

With either method they will be required to provide proof of identification and proof of tenancy by means of a valid lease or rental agreement for a period of six weeks or more during the calendar year in which the election is held.

PLEASE NOTE: Revision to the answer to Question #5.
The original answer stated that potential voters are required to register with the Clerk in person. The process of revising the Voters’ List has been adjusted to include mail and email. This change has been made to provide eligible voters who are unable to attend the Township Office the opportunity to make corrections to the Voters’ List.

6.     Can you please provide me with the municipal tax levy and tax rate for 2018, 2022, 2023-2026? Including $ and %, and provide growth.

The following chart provides the Current Value Assessment (CVA), Growth Percentage, Municipal Residential Tax Rate, Municipal Tax Levy, Contribution to Reserve Included in Municipal Levy and the Municipal Levy excluding the Contribution to Reserve for the years 2018 to 2026.

Municipal Tax Rate Increases & Growth

7.     Can you please provide the reserve schedules for 2022 to 2026.

The following chart provides Reserve Fund information for 2022-2026

Reserve & Reserve Fund Schedules

Reserve Trend — 2022–2026

8.     Can you please advise the water supply the Griffith Fire Hall had in 2022 compared to 2026?

In 2022, the Griffith Fire Hall housed a 2009 frontline pumper carrying 1,500 imperial gallons of water and a 2004 tanker carrying 3,000 imperial gallons, for a total water capacity of 4,500 imperial gallons.

As of 2026, the Griffith Fire Hall houses a frontline pumper and a pumper/tanker, with a combined water capacity of 3,000 imperial gallons.

Following the purchase of our new pumper/tanker, apparatus was redistributed between the Calabogie and Griffith fire halls. The current structure provides a frontline and backup pumping apparatus at each hall and takes into consideration operational needs, including maintenance, staffing, and the availability of qualified drivers to respond effectively with the apparatus.

Griffith currently has fewer available firefighters and fewer members licensed to operate our larger apparatus. As a result, the placement of apparatus also reflects where qualified drivers are most consistently available, helping ensure that our mobile water supply can be deployed effectively when required.

9.     Does the Township have a Fire Master Plan?  If so, can you please provide a copy.

Yes, the Township has a Master Fire Plan. The 2023 plan is available on the Township Website, on the “Plan, Reports and Studies” webpage, or using the following link: Master Fire Plan 2023

10. Is it a requirement to publish candidates’ home addresses? If not, I would request that we do not publish anyone’s address for the protection of the Candidates if elected.

It is not a requirement for a Municipality to post candidate contact information and addresses. However, as part of the Clerk’s process contact information as provided by each candidate will be posted on the Township’s website as a courtesy and convenience for voters. Prior to posting, the Clerk will be confirming with each candidate as to the email and/or phone number they want shared publicly.

11. Are there any rules or regulations about candidates signs re size or information?

Yes, there are rules and regulations about candidate signs. Refer to By-law 42-2005 Municipal Election Campaign Signs and By-law 49-2013 Sign By-law.

12. Could you please clarify the rules regarding seasonal voters? If someone is camping at a trailer park, can their spouse vote and anyone over 18 living in the same house so showing the same address? Can anyone vote who is over 18 living anywhere that claims to be residing seasonally at the trailer with their parents? Does the address on their id have to match the seasonal residence or just have their name on the rental receipt?

With proof of ID and proof of tenancy a person may be eligible to vote. Proof of tenancy would require the person’s name to be listed on the lease or rental agreement. The spouse of the person listed on the lease or rental agreement may be eligible to vote, if they are a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age, and not prohibited from voting under the Municipal Elections Act or otherwise by law. ID is not required to match the seasonal residence.

13. In examining the 2025 budget, and results, there was an overrun of 30%. The Municipality overspent the budget by $1.76M in operating costs and by $1.2M in capital. Can you comment on the reasons for these overruns?

These amounts should not be characterized as “overruns.” They reflect reporting methods prescribed by Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS).

For reference, the 2025 Financial Statements are available on the Township website or use the following link: Consolidated Financial Statements 2025

$1.76M Operating Costs Variance
The Consolidated Statement of Operations and Accumulated Surplus, page 4 of the 2025 Financial Statements, include accounting adjustments and non-cash items not reflected in the Township’s operating budget, such as amortization, changes in tangible capital assets, deferred revenue, debt payments and contribution to reserves and other Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS) adjustments. These non-cash items are not budgeted as expenses in Municipal Finances. Please see note 11, page 15 of the 2025 Financial Statements.

$1.2M Capital Costs Variance
The Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Debt, Page 5 of the Financial Statements, shows a variance due to the non-cash items recognition of the Peaks Village Security Lots (see question 2 below for further explanation), the purchase of the land for future community services in Calabogie, and the emergency purchase of SCBA’s for the Fire Department.

14. There was unbudgeted land purchase of roughly $970K. Can we learn what land was purchased, at what cost, and for what purpose? This accounts for the majority of the overrun in capital spending. If this capital spending was not included in the approved budget, how did Council authorize the acquisition(s)?

The land purchase identified in the financial statements relates to the Peaks Village subdivision and the purchase of land for future community services.

The developer of Peaks Village did not complete the subdivision in accordance with its obligations under the Subdivision Agreement. The Township took ownership of eight (8) subdivision lots provided as security to ensure completion of the required subdivision works, including the roads.

Public-sector accounting standards require these types of transfers to be recognized as a tangible capital asset. An asset addition is not necessarily an expenditure. In this case, this entry does not represent the Township spending to purchase property. It reflects the accounting recognition of land acquired through enforcement of the security provisions associated with the subdivision.

The Township also purchased land from the Catholic Dioceses in Calabogie to secure for future community service expansions.

This was authorized by Council through Resolutions of Council carried during Council meetings.

15. Miscellaneous income was also over budget by some $1.1M. Please provide the details.

Miscellaneous income is higher than the budgeted amount due to the application of Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS) reporting requirements.

Revenue reported under accrual accounting does not necessarily mean an equivalent amount of cash was received. This is particularly relevant to the Peaks Village lands described above. Where tangible capital assets are contributed or otherwise received without an equivalent purchase price, the Township is required to recognize the value of the asset and, where applicable, corresponding revenue in its financial statements.

Therefore, recognizing the Peaks Village lands affects both sides of the financial statements: the Township records an asset addition for the land and recognizes the applicable accounting revenue associated with receiving that asset.

Other misc. income also includes an insurance claim, investment income, Development Charges and Parkland Funds recognized as revenue for asset contribution and loss on sale of asset.  Details of this information can be found on the 2025 Financial Information Return, Schedule 10, filed with the province at Financial Information Returns

16. The 2025 operating budget set Police Services at $863,385. Actual OPP costs were $730,596, and the new Police Services Board costs (from the Community Safety and Policing Act changes effective April 1, 2024) added $19,097 — a total of $749,693. That's approximately $113,000 more budgeted than spent. Did this over-budgeting inflate the apparent tax requirement and contribute to the higher-than-necessary 2025 tax levy?

The original 2025 budget included $863,385 for Police Services prepared using the OPP billing information available to the Township at the time. Following significant province-wide concern regarding the magnitude of OPP billing increases, the Province subsequently provided municipalities with temporary financial relief.

As a result, the Township's 2025 policing requirement was reduced. Because the provincial relief was temporary and did not eliminate the underlying risk of future OPP cost increases, Council chose not to treat the reduction as a permanent reduction in the cost of municipal services. Instead, the $122,407 difference was transferred to the General Operating Contingency Reserve/Levy Stabilization to help with future policing cost increases and reduce their impact on future tax levies; the reserve increased from $200,000 to $322,407, an increase of exactly $122,407.

17. The 2025 audited financial statements include a note 10 to the financials indicating the Township is aware of two claims (litigation) in which it has been named as the defendant. Can we be provided with the details of these claims, and if possible, the direct costs involved (i.e. legal fees) and the extent of the possible financial exposure to the Township?

The Township’s 2025 audited financial statements disclose two outstanding legal claims which have been reported through the Township’s insurance coverage. From a financial exposure perspective, both matters are being handled through the Township’s insurance coverage. The Township’s direct financial cost would generally be limited to the applicable insurance deductible.

As these matters remain ongoing, the Township is limited in the details it can publicly provide.

18. Note 15 of the 2025 financial statements mentions a municipality responsibility agreement (reference by-law 01-2020). Is there a report available to demonstrate that the Township is adequately protected as per the terms on the agreement?

Yes. The protections are set out directly in the Municipal Responsibility Agreement authorized by By-law 01-2020 and in the supporting staff report. The agreement was specifically designed to protect the Township should the private communal water or wastewater systems fail or the owner default. It requires ongoing professional engineering oversight, annual operating and capital plans, financial security for both operating and capital obligations, insurance, indemnification, and mechanisms allowing the Township to recover costs and enforce against the property if necessary. The agreement also requires the level of security to be reviewed and adjusted annually. All reports and security are peer-reviewed annually by the Township.

Note: The staff report and by-law is available on the Township’s Meeting and Information Portal  The report starts on page 15 of the January 7, 2020 Special Council Meeting Agenda. Use the following link for quicker access: January 7, 2020 Special Council Meeting Agenda

19. Has the Township developed a policy statement and or passed a by-law with respect to the matter of private docks etc and the residents of Madawaska Street in the Village of Calabogie?

Yes. Council has formally considered the issue of private docks located along Madawaska Street.

A Madawaska Street Docks Committee was established specifically to review the matter and provide recommendations to Council. The Committee completed its work and submitted its final report to Council. Council subsequently passed By-law 20-2024, Licence of Occupation – Madawaska Street Docks, establishing a mechanism under which eligible dock owners could enter into Licence of Occupation agreements with the Township for temporary private docks located on Township property.

Note: The By-law is available on the Township’s Meeting and Information Portal.
Quick links: By-law 20-2024 and an amending By-law 07-2025.

20. What is MPAC’s Property Valuation Specialist and the other MPAC staff member have been working on with the Township the last couple of weeks. What are they looking at, and why are they here now? Is it something to do with building permits, assessment growth, property values, sales, or anything connected to a future reassessment? And is this something MPAC is doing with other townships too, or is there something specific they’re looking at here in Greater Madawaska?

MPAC is an independent organization and is not working in collaboration with the Township.

MPAC staff have been conducting their own work within the Township and, while doing so, have made use of the Township Office as a convenient meeting point and workspace. 

As the Township is not involved in MPAC’s work, questions regarding the nature, timing, or scope of their activities should be directed to MPAC.

21. What is the total amount of municipal property tax expected to be collected from the commercial property class in 2026?

The total amount of municipal property tax expected to be collected from the Commercial property class in 2026 is $137,821.29. In addition, $34,134.63 is expected from Payment in Lieu (PIL) Commercial properties, for a combined total of $171,955.92.

22. What percentage of the total municipal tax levy does the commercial property class represent once the applicable tax rations and rates applied?

The Commercial property class represents approximately 2.80% of the Township's 2026 municipal tax levy. When Commercial PIL revenues are included, the combined Commercial and Commercial PIL amount represents approximately 3.50% of the Township's 2026 municipal tax levy.

23. If available, what is the total current assessed value of all commercial properties in the Township?

The 2026 Roll Return for Commercial properties has a total assessed value of $14,257,100. In addition, Commercial Payment in Lieu (PIL) accounts have an assessed value of $3,531,100, for a combined commercial assessment value of $17,788,200, including PIL properties.

24. Does the commercial total include all properties classified as commercial by MPAC, regardless of type of business operating on the property?

Yes. The commercial total includes all properties classified as Commercial by MPAC, regardless of the type of business operating on the property. The classification is based on the property's MPAC assessment and property class, rather than the specific business operating on the property.

Properties used for business purposes may, however, be classified by MPAC under other property classes, such as Industrial or Multi-Residential, and would therefore be reported separately.

25. Would it be possible to have an informal meeting with senior staff, simply an opportunity to get to know one another, no formal agenda?

A meeting between yourself and senior Township staff would not align with proper election campaign protocol. The Township must remain neutral throughout the campaign period and ensure that all candidates are provided with the same information and opportunities.

Individual meetings with Township staff for the purpose of “getting to know one another” could create a perception of unequal access and compromise the principles of fairness, equality, and neutrality.

Please feel free to continue submitting formal questions by email. This approach ensures that information can be provided consistently and equitably to all candidates.

26. Are interim financial statements available?

The Township prepares financial statements annually, and they are subject to the year-end audit process. Throughout the year, the Township monitors financial activity through its regular budget, variance, and financial reporting processes.

27. From the audited financials the LTD at Y/E was
2022 $3,031,192
2023 $3,380,434
2024 $3,332,861
2025 $4,719,601
What will the LTD be at Dec 31, 2026

The following provides both the historical balances referenced and the current projection:

Council adopted the Township's Asset Management Plan in June 2022, identifying long-term infrastructure needs and required capital investment. In June 2025, the Township implemented its Financial Strategy, which considers how those infrastructure requirements can be sustainably funded through a balance of reserves, grants, development charges, taxation and debt.

The Financial Strategy recognizes that while existing debt is being repaid, future borrowing may also be required to fund significant infrastructure investment. For example, the current strategy identifies potential new borrowing of approximately:

*These amounts are long-term planning assumptions, not approved or issued debt. Actual borrowing will depend on which capital projects proceed, their timing and cost, and the availability of reserves, grants, development charges and other funding sources. Future borrowing would also remain subject to Council approval.

Also in 2025, Council adopted the Township's first Debt Management Policy to complement the Financial Strategy and Reserve Policy. The Debt Management Policy establishes a conservative internal debt-servicing target of approximately 15% of own-source revenues and provides a framework for evaluating the affordability of future borrowing.

The Reserve Policy is another important part of this approach. As existing debt is retired, certain amounts previously used for debt payments are redirected to reserves. This builds financial capacity for future capital requirements and can help offset future debt servicing costs and reduce pressure on the municipal levy.

The Township's long-term approach is to balance the repayment of existing debt, growth of reserves and responsible use of future debt to address its long-term infrastructure requirements.

Are you eligible to vote?

You can vote if you are:

• a Canadian citizen; and

• at least 18 years old; and

• a resident in the Township of Greater Madawaska or you own/rent property in the Township of Greater Madawaska or your spouse owns/rents property in the Township of Greater Madawaska; and

• are not prohibited from voting under any law.

You may only vote once in the Township of Greater Madawaska election regardless of how many properties you own/rent within the Township.

Are you on the voters' list?

Confirm that you are on the Voters' List by contacting the Township Clerk.

Is your School Support Designation correct?

Property owners and tenants should review and update their school support designation using the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) website by June 1, 2026. This will ensure that your correct school support designation is provided to Elections Ontario in time for the municipal election.

You are not required to make a designation, however you do have the option to choose which school board you support. If you don’t make a choice, your support will default to the English-Public school board. 

Voters Guide

The 2026 Voters Guide is a great source of information for Voters.

Voting Method

Voting in the 2026 Township of Greater Madawaska Election will be by telephone or internet. There will be no paper ballots. This method of voting allows voters the convenience and flexibility of voting from their own home or office. Voter Help Centers will be available for those without access to a computer, internet, or phone.

All eligible voters will receive a Voter Information Letter by mail. If you have not received yours by mid-October contact the Township Office for assistance.

Watch this short step-by-step video that walks you through the online voting process.

Voter Information Letter

All eligible voters will receive a Voter Information Letter by mail. This sealed envelope will contain:

• a Personal Identification Number (PIN), 
• instructions on how to vote using the internet or telephone voting system, 
• a telephone access number and internet address for voting, 
• dates and hours of voting, and 
• locations and phone numbers of the Voter Help Centers.

Should a voter receive more than one Voter Information Letter they must return the other letter(s) to the Township of Greater Madawaska Municipal Office at 19 Parnell St, Calabogie, Ontario, K0J1H0.

Voter Assistance Centres

Assistance will be available for:

• submitting your vote

• adding eligible voters who are not currently on the list

• verifying and/or correcting information

• providing a new Voter Information Letter or PIN if these were lost or never received

The proper identification and information must be provided to the election official to receive assistance.

Satisfactory identification includes:

1. An Ontario driver's license.
2. An Ontario Health Card (photo card).
3. An Ontario Photo Card.
4. An Ontario motor vehicle permit (vehicle portion).
5. A cancelled personalized cheque.
6. A mortgage statement, lease or rental agreement relating to property in Ontario.
7. An insurance policy or insurance statement.
8. A loan agreement or other financial agreement with a financial institution.
9. A document issued or certified by a court in Ontario.
10. Any other document from the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government.
11. Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada).
12. An income tax assessment notice.
13. A Child Tax Benefit Statement.
14. A Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E.
15. A Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS).
16. A Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P).
17. A Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions.
18. A Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Works.
19. A Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program.
20. A Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007.
21. A property tax assessment.
22. A credit card statement, bank account statement, or RRSP, RRIF, RHOSP or T5 statement.
23. A CNIB Card or a card from another registered charitable organization that provides services to persons with disabilities.
24. A hospital card or record.
25. A document showing campus residence, issued by the office or officials responsible for student residence at a post-secondary institution.
26. A document showing residence at a long-term care home under the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, issued by the Administrator for the home.
27. A utility bill for hydro, water, gas, telephone or cable TV or a bill from a public utilities commission.
28. A cheque stub, T4 statement or pay receipt issued by an employer.
29. A transcript or report card from a post-secondary school.

Notice of Nomination for Office

Notice is hereby given to the Municipal Electors of the Township of Greater Madawaska; that nominations papers for the 2026 Municipal Election may be filed with the Clerk or designate, by appointment, during regular business hours between May 1, 2026, and August 20, 2026, and between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Registration papers for Third Party Advertisers must be signed by a representative and may be filed with the Clerk or designate, by appointment, during regular business hours between May 1, 2026 and October 23, 2026. Registration papers must be certified by the Clerk before such entity becomes a Registered Third Party Advertiser.

Positions for which a person may file a Nomination for Office are as follows:

(1) Mayor
(2) Councillor Ward 1
(1) Councillor Ward 2
(1) Councillor Ward 3
School Board Trustees: Renfrew County District School Board, Renfrew County Catholic District School Board, Conseil des écoles Publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (Eastern Ontario French-Language Public School Board, Conseil des écoles Catholiques du Centre-Est (Eastern Ontario French-Language Catholic School Board)

Nomination papers for School Board Trustees are to be filed with the appropriate Municipal Clerk.

In the event there are an insufficient number of certified candidates to fill all positions available, nominations will be reopened for the vacant positions only on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm and such additional nominations, if required, must be filed with the Clerk.

For further information, contact the Clerk.

How to become a Candidate

The nomination period for candidates is May 1, 2026 to August 21, 2026 at 2:00pm

Eligible candidates must:

• be a resident of the municipality or a non-resident owner or tenant of land in the municipality or the spouse of such non-resident owner or tenant;
• be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old;
• not be legally prohibited from voting; and not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office.

To become a candidate:

1. Review the Candidate's Pre-Nomination Package
2. Complete Nomination Paper - Form 1 and Endorsement of Nomination - Form 2 (these forms are also included in the Candidate's Pre-Nomination Package)
3. Schedule an appointment with the Clerk for filing your papers (May 1, 2026 to August 21, 2026 at 2:00pm)
4. Pay the filing fee of $100 Councillor or $200 for Mayor

Candidate Resources

2026 Candidates Guide - MMAH  This guide covers important information regarding filing your nomination, campaigning, financial statement requirements, etc. 

If You Believe, They Believe - AMO  This website was created by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) as a resource for candidates.

Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO)  AMO's election webpage offers information and resources for candidates.

Contact the Clerk with questions that you have regarding becoming a candidate and other election information.

 Free Candidate Information Sessions

Several Free Candidate Information Session are available to choose from for anyone considering running for Council.

SO YOU WANT TO RUN FOR COUNCIL? Potential Candidates from surrounding Municipalities were invited to join informative sessions with Nigel Bellchamber. These FREE sessions were held April 23 & 24, 2026, with in-person and virtual options available.

The Presentation Slide-Decks and Video Recordings are available below:

• Nigel Bellchamber - So, You Want to Run for Council -Slide-deck
• Nigel Bellchamber - So, You Want to Run for Council - YouTube Video
• MMAH - Candidate and Third-Party Advertiser Information Session - Slide-deck
• MMAH - Candidate and Third-Party Advertiser Information Session - YouTube Video

Each session will covered the same information:

• The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
• Municipal Powers
• The impacts on family life
• Council‘s roles and responsibilities
• Personal responsibility 
• The public’s role in local government
• The difference between governance and administration
• ...and much more!

FREE online programs were offered by The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) designed to equip you with the tools, resilience, and confidence to be a successful community advocate.

Program details, dates, and free registration was available on  AMO's Website.

The program included four sessions:

• Session 1: Finding Your Why – Leading with Purpose and Authenticity
• Session 2: Praise Your Rivals – Managing Conflict and Building Effective Relationships
• Session 3: What Matters Most – Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Session 4: Building Your Movement – Turning Values into Action

What you gained by attending these sessions:

• Clarity of Purpose: reconnect with your values and what drives you to serve
• Resilience in Conflict: handle tough situations with skill and confidence
• Personal Wellbeing: prevent burnout and create sustainable leadership practices
• Stronger Communication: inspire trust and mobilize authentic community support
• Practical Tools & Resources: customized workbooks, scripts, and templates you can use immediately
• Peer Connection: build relationships with others also preparing to run in 2026

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) also offered free online (zoom) sessions for young people thinking about running for municipal office. The series included three informative sessions that provided insights and strategies to build your understanding and confidence around how to become a candidate and running a campaign.

Program details, dates, and free registration was available on  AMO's Website.

These session gave firsthand insight into:

• What to expect running as a candidate and as young person 
• Critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
• Understand what it takes to become a candidate
• Strategies for engagement including communication
• And more!

Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32, Sched.

Elections Ontario

Association of Ontario Municipalities

2026 Candidates Guide

2026 Voters Guide

2026 Third Party Advertisers Guide

By-law 42-2005 The By-law regulating Municipal Election Campaign Signs

By-law 49-2013 The By-law regulating the placement and erection of signs and advertising upon or adjacent to municipal roads.

Township of Greater Madawaska Ward Map

Ward 1 Township of Greater Madawaska Map

Ward 2 Township of Greater Madawaska Map

Ward 3 Township of Greater Madawaska Map

List of Certified Candidates

Municipal Council

Notice is hereby given to the Municipal Electors of the Township of Greater Madawaska;

That, during the period commencing May 1, 2026, and completed on Nomination Day, August 21, 2026 at 2:00pm, the following persons filed all necessary papers, declarations and fees, and; as Clerk, I am satisfied that such persons are qualified and that their Nominations satisfy the requirements of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996; and I have therefore certified such candidates for the office indicated:

Mayor (one to be elected)
Bill Beacham
Rob Weir

Councillor Ward 1 (two to be elected)
Chris Adams
Chris Norton
Rob Tripp

Councillor Ward 2 (one to be elected)
Taylor Popkie - ACCLAIMED

Councillor Ward 3 (one to be elected)
David Burton
Allison Holtzhauer
Wendy MacFarlane
Lois Thomson
Mark Tomlin

Robin Emon, Clerk, Township of Greater Madawaska
August 24, 2026 12:45pm

School Boards

Municipal Council

Declaration of Acclamation of Office - Councillor Ward 2

I hereby declare the certified candidate Taylor Popkie to be acclaimed to the office of Councillor Ward 2 pursuant to Section 37 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.
Robin Emon, Clerk Township of Greater Madawaska
August 24, 2026 12:45pm

School Board Trustees

Declaration of Acclamation of Office - English Public School Board Trustee

Pursuant to Section 37 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, I hereby declare the following candidate elected by acclamation for the position indicated:
Jeffrey Barber
Trustee - English Public - Renfrew County District School Board
Dated this 24th day of August, 2026 at 4:01 p.m.
Carolynn Errett, Returning Officer
Town Clerk, Town of Renfrew

Declaration of Acclamation of Office - English Separate School Board Trustee

I hereby declare the certified candidate listed below to be acclaimed to the office that follows their respective names pursuant to Section 37 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996:
Jeannie Ivory
Trustee – English Separate - Renfrew County Catholic District School Board
Dated this 24th day of August, 2026.
Kaila Zamojski
Town Clerk, Arnprior
Returning Officer

Declaration of Acclamation of Office - French Separate School Board Trustee

Pursuant to Section 37 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, I hereby declare the following candidate elected by acclamation for the position indicated:
Daniel Levasseur
Trustee - Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (French Separate)
Given under my hand at 12:00 p.m. this 24th day of August 2026.
Dawn Recoskie, Returning Officer
Clerk, Town of Petawawa

The Township of Greater Madawaska strives to be fully accessible to all candidates and electors with disabilities pursuant to the Township of Greater Madawaska Accessibility Policy.

All electors may vote with the assistance of a support person or election official that has taken the appropriate oath.

The 2026 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan addresses the specific accessibility requirements of the 2026 Municipal Election within the Township of Greater Madawaska.

Third Party Advertisers Guide

2026 Third Party Advertisers Guide

Financial Statements - Third Party Advertisers

The Township of Greater Madawaska is required to make Third Party Advertisers' Financial Statements available for viewing by the public on a website or in another electronic format in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.

Section 88.29 of the Municipal Elections Act requires a Third Party Advertiser to file the required statement in accordance with the Act, reflecting the registered third party's campaign finances for the 2026 municipal and school board election

Third Party Advertisers

none at this time

The Municipal Elections Act requires municipalities to appoint a Compliance Audit Committee.
The Committee must be appointed prior to October 1 of an election year and must be a
minimum of three and a maximum of seven members. The term of the Committee is the same
as the term of Council, November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030.

The purpose of the committee is to review and make decisions on applications for compliance
audits of municipal election campaign finances of candidates and third-party advertisers, and to
review and make decisions on reports from the clerk regarding apparent violations of
contribution limits mandated by the Municipal Elections Act as part of a regular municipal
election or any by-election held during the term.

In 2018 and 2022, the Township, along with four other Municipalities, formed a Joint
Compliance Audit Committee. The same group, Greater Madawaska, Arnprior, McNab/Braeside, Horton, and Admaston/Bromley, followed the same joint committee design for the upcoming term of Council. The Committee application process was open from early June to late July.

The following five people, one member from each Municipality, were appointed by Council to the Committee on August 20, 2026 by By-law 34-2026.

David Stewart - Township of Greater Madawaska
Donna Anderson - Town of Arnprior
Barb Darlow - Township of McNab/Braeside
Dan Duguay - Horton Township
Derek Chapman - Township of Admaston/Bromley