2026 Municipal Election

Who can apply

To be considered for appointment, you must:

• be eligible to vote in the District of Muskoka (Town of Bracebridge, Town of Gravenhurst, Town of Huntsville, Township of Georgian Bay, Township of Lake of Bays, or Township of Muskoka Lakes) under section 17 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (MEA), and
• be eligible to serve on The District Municipality of Muskoka Council under sections 257 and 258 of the Municipal Act, 2001.

Voter eligibility (Municipal Elections Act, 1996)

Under the MEA, a person is eligible to vote on voting day if they:

• live in Muskoka, or are the owner or tenant of land in Muskoka (or the spouse of such an owner or tenant)
• are a Canadian citizen
• are at least 18 years old
• are not prohibited from voting under the MEA or otherwise by law

Who cannot apply

• an employee, clerk, treasurer, Integrity Commissioner, Auditor General, Ombudsman, registrar for lobbying matters, closed meeting investigator, or other holder of an administrative position of The District Municipality of Muskoka, unless you have taken a leave of absence
• a judge of any court
• a member of Ontario’s Legislative Assembly or of Canada’s Senate or House of Commons
• a public servant within the meaning of the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006, unless authorized by the public servant’s ethics executive

What the Province is looking for

Applicants are expected to have strong leadership skills and should demonstrate competencies and experience such as:

• previous elected political experience and a strong understanding of regional and provincial priorities, including those specific to Muskoka
• civic engagement and stakeholder management skills
• experience leading major change initiatives in large organizations
• strong communication skills, with the ability to facilitate discussions and build trust
• a commitment to excellent service to residents and stakeholders
• a strategic, decisive approach to decision-making

What happens after you apply