Candidate Information and Resources

Candidate Information and Resources

Information Session - So you Want to Run for Council

Interested in being a candidate in the 2026 Otonabee–South Monaghan Municipal Election? Attend the FREE Information Session “So, You Want to Run for Council with Nigel Bellchamber.”

  • Date: March 31, 2026
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Location: Market Hall, 140 Charlotte Street, Peterborough

This session's discussion is an opportunity to ask questions, connect with others and gain insights into the candidate process.  Participants will understand the roles of the Council and Councillors and the impact of public office duties on life.  This session is not meant for debate or technical campaign details.

Reserve your spot here.

Since 2002, Nigel has trained elected officials and senior staff in Ontario for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, providing them with tools to make informed community decisions.

So, you want to run for Council - Event Flyer.

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:

Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing Presents:

Candidate & Third Party Advertiser Training

April 8, 2026 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Cavan-Monaghan Community Centre, 986 County Road 10, Millbrook

Learn about:

  • Who is eligible to run or advertise
  • How the nomination process works
  • Roles & responsibilities of Council members
  • 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.

The session is free to attend but registration is required.

Register online at www.cavanmonaghan.net/candidateinfo

 

Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities is a free online workshop series being offered by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). 

This workshop series is being offered for no charge in two streams:

Stream 1: For elected officials at the municipal level across Ontario who are considering re-election in 2026 and preparing their path forward.

Stream 2: For community members considering a run for municipal office in 2026—first-time candidates who want to build confidence before launching a campaign. Civic-minded leaders who want to explore whether elected office is right for them.

Each stream includes four inspiring sessions (you can register for the full series or individual 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’ll gain 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

Dates: Workshops are 6:30 - 8:00pm on the following dates (you can register for the full series or individual sessions):

Stream 1: 

  • February 19, 2026
  • March 26, 2026
  • April 23, 2026
  • May 7, 2026

Stream 2:

  • March 10, 2026
  • April 7, 2026
  • April 28, 2026
  • May 19, 2026

Registration is available on the AMO website.

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering free workshops for youth interested in running for municipal council in October 2026.

These sessions are led by three current municipal leaders and will provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and confidence around how to become a candidate and running an election campaign.
Topics include:
• 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 
Dates:
▪️February 18 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm
▪️March 11 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm
▪️April 15 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm