Residents interested in seeking office in the upcoming municipal election in Barrie, Ontario, can now officially register their candidacy. Nominations for the positions of Mayor, City Councillor, and School Board Trustee opened on May 1, 2026, and will remain open until August 21, 2026.
Those looking to run must file their nomination documents in person at the City of Barrie Legislative and Court Services office, located at 70 Collier Street. Requirements for candidates include submitting a nomination form, paying the necessary fees, completing a declaration of qualification, and providing an official record of at least 25 endorsements from eligible voters within the city.
To assist potential candidates, several information sessions are being held this spring. Mayor Alex Nuttall, along with Ward 1 Councillor Clare Riepma and Ward 2 Councillor Craig Nixon, will host a town hall for residents in their respective wards on May 7. Additionally, the provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is hosting an information session on May 11, followed by a city-led session on May 28.
Voters will head to the polls on October 26, 2026. Residents should note that new ward boundaries, which were finalized by city bylaw on June 18, 2025, will be in effect for this election. The successful candidates will begin their four-year term on November 15, 2026.
Residents can also run for school board trustee positions representing the Simcoe County District School Board, the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, Conseil scolaire Viamonde, or Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir.
