Candidate Information

Thinking of Running for Municipal Council?

Considering a run for municipal council? Before making a decision, get a clear and realistic understanding of what serving as an elected official truly involves.

This practical workshop explains how municipal government works, the roles and responsibilities of Council members, and the ethical and legal obligations of public office. Participants will also learn about campaign requirements, time and financial commitments, and the realities of public life.

Designed to equip participants with essential information and reflection tools to help decide whether public service is the right fit for them and prepares those who choose to run to do so responsibly and confidently.

This practical workshop explains:

  • how municipal government works
  • the roles and responsibilities of Council members
  • the ethical and legal obligations of public office

Participants will also learn about campaign requirements, time and financial commitments, and the realities of public life.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

Bruce County Administration Centre

130 Park Street

Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0

Register to attend in person or online

Candidate Information Session Registration

Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie

Arran‑Elderslie Council consists of seven members elected to represent the municipality:

  • One (1) Mayor – elected at large
  • One (1) Deputy Mayor – elected at large
  • One (1) Arran Ward Councillor
  • One (1) Chesley Ward Councillor
  • One (1) Elderslie Ward Councillor
  • One (1) Paisley Ward Councillor
  • One (1) Tara Ward Councillor

The Mayor serves as the Head of Council. Since 2025, the Mayor has Strong Mayor Powers which provides special powers and duties they may chose to exercise under provincial legislation.

As a Councillor, you have representative, policy-making and stewardship roles to play in your municipality. Often these roles will overlap. You will be called on to consider and make decisions on issues that will sometimes be complex and controversial. Most of those decisions will have long-term consequences for your municipality that extend beyond your four-year term of office, and should be made in the context of your municipality’s directions for the wellbeing of your community.

The time commitment can be significant. There are two Council meetings per month, with the exception of July, August, and December having only one meeting. Council meetings are scheduled in-person on the second and fourth Monday, commencing at 9:00 am. In addition to Council meetings, there may be additional Public Meetings and Special Council meetings scheduled throughout the year.

Additionally, all members of Council are appointed to Committees of Council, which often meet monthly. Council members are also expected to attend special events held by the Municipality and other community groups. There may be a considerable time spent talking with and responding to the residents. The amount of time required to prepare for a Council or committee meetings can be several hours per week. The Mayor also sits on Bruce County Council.

Meetings

Currently, Council meetings take place in-person at 9:00 am on the second and fourth Monday of each month, with the exception of July, August, and December where there is only one Council meeting.

The current term of office concludes on November 14, 2026. The new term of office is from November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030. 

Who Can Run?

To run as a candidate in a municipal election, you must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old.
  • Be qualified to vote in the municipality by:
    • living in the municipality, or
    • owning or renting property in the municipality, or
    • being the spouse of somebody who owns or rents property in the municipality.
  • Not be prohibited from holding municipal office according to Section 29 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.

Please review the Ontario Municipal Councillor's Guide to learn about the roles and responsibilities of a municipal council member.

Nominations for the 2026 Municipal Election are open from May 1 to August 21, 2026.

Interested candidates can use the Candidate Nomination Package to file their nomination.

The following is required to file a nomination:

The Municipal Elections Act (the "Act") states that documents and materials filed with or prepared by the clerk or any other election official under the Act are public records and, until their destruction, may be inspected by any person at the clerk's office at a time when the office is open. This includes the names and qualifying addresses of electors who have endorsed a nomination.

Start of Campaigning

Campaigning is not permitted until your nomination papers have been officially filed.

Schedule an Appointment to File Your Nomination

Mayor

Name of Candidate Date Filed Contact Information
     
     

Deputy Mayor

Name of Candidate Date Filed Contact Information
     
     

Arran Ward Councillor

Name of Candidate Date Filed Contact Information
Ryan Nickason May 14, 2026

Address: 21 Thomas St, Allenford, ON  N0H 1A0

Phone: 519-270-3890

Email: nickason3206@gmail.com
     

Elderslie Ward Councillor

Name of Candidate Date Filed Contact Information
     
     

Chesley Ward Councillor

Name of Candidate Date Filed Contact Information
     
     

Paisley Ward Councillor

Name of Candidate Date Filed Contact Information
David Stone May 7, 2026

Address: 359 Balaklava Street, Paisley, ON  N0G 2N0

Phone: 519-761-0202

Email: davidxstone@gmail.com
Patricia Wright May 11, 2026

Address: 97 Albert Street, Paisley, ON N0G 2N0

Phone: 519-372-7949

Email: trisha@clearpointmediation.com

Tara Ward Councillor

Name of Candidate Date Filed Contact Information
     
     

School Board Trustee - Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board

Name of Candidate Date Filed Contact Information
Lucie Desbiens May 4, 2026

Address: 951 Wellington Street, Port Elgin, ON  N0H 2C3

Email: ldesbiens1956@gmail.com
     

School Board Trustee - Conseil Scolaire Viamonde

Name of Candidate Date Filed Contact Information
Eric Lapointe May 1, 2026

Phone: 705-241-8909

Email: ericlapointe@yahoo.com
     

Association of Municipalities of Ontario Election Resources

Contact Us

Municipality of Arran Elderslie
1925 Bruce Road 10, Box 70
Chesley ON, N0G 1L0

Phone: 519-363-3039
Fax: 519-363-2203