Wrenford City Council approved By-law 2026-099 during its meeting on September 1, 2026. The amendments update the municipal election rules to align with recent provincial changes under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.
Key changes include the introduction of a Permanent Electors Registry. Only residents listed on this registry will be able to vouch for another voter’s residence. Nomination deposits are now set at $100.00 for both mayoral and councillor candidates. Requirements for nomination signatures have been updated to streamline the process.
Voting hours on election day will stay from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., balancing voter access with staffing needs. The bylaw also removes fax as a method for requesting special ballots, replacing it with an online request portal and mail options to make the process more accessible for residents unable to visit advance polls or vote on election day.
A major update requires the hand-counting of all ballots, replacing electronic tabulators. This shift, mandated by the province, will require significantly more election workers and will delay the posting of final results.
“These updates ensure our election process remains clear, consistent, and fully aligned with provincial requirements ahead of the October 26 vote,” said City Clerk Nadia Kowalczyk, Returning Officer. “We are committed to maintaining the integrity of the process while ensuring every eligible resident can participate.”
The City has approved an additional $650,000 in funding to cover the increased costs of hiring and training election workers for hand-counting. The total estimated budget for the 2026 municipal election is now $1.8 million. The City will continue to work with the province to explore cost-sharing opportunities.
Residents can find updated candidate information, polling locations, and sign placement rules on the Municipal elections page. Questions about registration or special ballots can be directed to the Elections office at 311 or 519-555-0100.