The City of Port Colborne is preparing for the 2026 municipal election on Monday, October 26, 2026, and is encouraging residents interested in local leadership to learn about the nomination process.
Prospective candidates can begin filing their nomination forms on May 1, 2026. The nomination period remains open until 2:00 p.m. on August 21, 2026. Those interested in running must visit the Office of the City Clerk, located at 66 Charlotte Street, to submit their paperwork. To qualify, candidates are required to gather 25 signatures of endorsement from eligible voters and pay a filing fee, which is set at $100 for a councillor position and $200 for those running for mayor.
The City of Port Colborne is currently composed of four wards, with two councillors representing each ward, alongside a mayor elected at-large and a regional councillor. However, the local council has expressed support for a change to the current structure. If authorized by the province, the city would move to three wards, each represented by two councillors, and would elect six city councillors and a mayor. Information sessions about the nomination process and campaign requirements are being offered by municipalities across Ontario, including in the Niagara region.
Serving on council involves a significant time commitment, with current yearly stipends set at $46,175 for the mayor and $22,973 for councillors. The importance of every vote in local elections was highlighted during the 2022 municipal race, when a seat in Ward 2 was decided by a random draw after a recount confirmed a tie between two candidates.
Additional details regarding council roles and the upcoming election process can be found on the city website at https://www.portcolborne.ca/en/city-hall/council.aspx.
