Absolutely but it will be a lot of work. If this is the case, start right at the beginning and commit to working hard most days.

Having at least a small group of workers will allow you to expand the activities that can be covered and greatly assist with door knocking coverage.

Start with those who are closest to you (your inner circle and friends). Then move to people you have worked or volunteered with in the past. Look at the names on your nomination form and ask them to help (volunteer, sign or financial contribution).

Finally, when people are community groups express an interest in your campaign, ask them to help on your team!

There are lots of different roles, so you may need to redirect helpers into other roles based on their skills and available time.

Unlike donors, municipal campaign volunteers are not required to live in Ontario.

No, they are mostly volunteers. You can pay a worker but it will greatly add to the cost of your campaign and is subject to spending limits.

Having a campaign manager helps to organize the time commitments and can often also handle the finances, leaving the candidate to actively campaign and not get too boged down in the details.

Note: professionals who donate their time in that capacity (e.g., accountants as campaign finance manager) must provide the market value of their service to be included in campaign expense reporting.

• Nomination period (Opens May 1, 2026 and closes Aug. 21 @ 2pm). NOTE: Don’t receive contributions or spending money before then.

• All-Candidates Meetings and other major community events

• When signs may be displayed and when they need to be removed (from the Clerk)

• Early voting dates & periods (from the Clerk)

Range of spending varies greatly. Check online for the 2022 Candidate Financial Statements in your municipality.

See Class 2 & 3 Videos for specific ranges spent in 2022 Grey Bruce election and on what.

Most people do not need to spend a lot of money to win.

First time candidates with lower visibility in the community may need to spend more money to gain name recognition.

ONLY INDIVIDUALS who reside in Ontario can make municipal campaign contributions. not businesses, trade unions or community groups.

Individuals may contribute up to $1,200 per candidate and to maximum of $5,000 across all candidates in one municipality.

The candidate and their spouse may each make contributions to cover virtually all of their expense costs (maximum is set by the municipality and will be given by the Clerk when the nomination papers are filed).

No. Official receipts must be issued for all individual contributions but, unlike other political donations, they may not be used as a tax deduction.

No. Any outstanding debts must be cleared following the election and before the Financial Statement deadline (March 30, 2027). The Clerk will provide more information about deadlines and responsibilities. If deadlines are not met, fees may be levied and other penalties will apply.

That would be amazing! Any contributions made by the candidate or spouse can be returned prior to filing the 2026 Financial Statement (deadline is March 30, 2027)..

However, if there is still money left over after that, it becomes the property of the municipality.