Elections

2026 Municipal Election

The next Municipal Election will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026. The current term of Council began November 15, 2022 and will conclude on November 14, 2026.

Municipal and School Board Elections are held every four years on the fourth Monday of October. The Township of Laurentian Valley Council consists of seven members, one Mayor, one Reeve and Five Councillors.

If you are a resident, owner or tenant of property in the Township of Laurentian Valley, a Canadian citizen and at least18 years of age you can vote and run for office.

For more information about municipal elections, who can vote, or who can run for Council

Visit the Association of Municipalities of Ontario website

Voter List and School Support

It is the voter’s responsibility to ensure their name is on the voters list and that their information is up to date. You can visit Elections Ontario to update your information for provincial, municipal, and school board elections in Ontario. Find out more about confirming and updating your information before the next municipal election in 2026 at Elections Ontario’s Voter Registration service.

As of January 1, 2024, MPAC is no longer responsible for collecting voter information for local elections. MPAC remains responsible for collecting information about school support. To update your school support information, visit MPAC’s Online School Support Tool by June 1, 2026 to ensure it is up to date before the 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections.

Key Dates

Friday, May 1, 2026 at 8:30am: Nomination Period Begins

First day to file a Nomination Paper for the offices of Mayor, Reeve, Councillor and School Board Trustee:
Once the Nomination paper has been filed with the Clerk, candidates can start raising and spending money on their campaign.
Preliminary spending limit is provided to candidates.
Preliminary self-contribution limit is provided to candidates running for Mayor, Reeve, Councillor and School Board Trustee.
First day to file a notice of registration as a third party advertiser:
Third party advertisers cannot raise or spend money on their campaign, or advertise, until their registration is received/ processed by the Clerk.
Preliminary spending limit is provided to third party advertisers upon certification.

Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2 pm: Nomination Day

Deadline for candidates to:

File a nomination;
Withdraw a nomination;
Change office

Monday, August 24, 2026: Certification Day

The Clerk shall examine all filed nomination forms prior to 4:00 pm and if satisfied, certify the nominations. By 4:00 pm the Clerk is to declare candidate(s) elected by acclamation, if any.

Tuesday, September 1, 2026: Voters List

The voters list is made available to candidates, by request.
Revisions to the Voter's List: Individuals may apply to the Clerk’s Office until close of voting on October 26, 2026, to have their name added to or removed from the voters’ list, or to update their information. Requests may also be made to remove the name of a deceased person.

Friday, October 23, 2026: Close of Third Party Advertiser Registration Period

Last day to register as a third party advertiser.

Friday, October 16, 2026: Advance Voting Commences

Advance Voting period begins on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Online voting opens at 10:00 am.
Telephone voting opens at 10:00 am.
All Electors should have received a Voter Information Letter in the mail which includes a Personal "PIN" that will entitle the person to vote.
A Voter Help Centre has been set up at our Municipal Office from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm where assistance is provided for online or telephone voting.

Monday, October 26, 2026: Voting Day

Voting Day for the 2026 Municipal Election.

Voter Help Centre open at our Municipal Office from 8:30 am - 8:00 pm.
Election day for paper voting at our Municipal Office from 10:00 am - 8:00 pm.
Election results will be posted at the Shady Nook Recreation Centre beginning at 8:00 pm (doors open at 7:00 pm).

November 15, 2026

New Term of Office Commences.

Information for Candidates

The nomination period begins on Friday May 1, 2026. The deadline to file a nomination to be a council or school trustee candidate is August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

In order to register to become a candidate for Councillor, Reeve or Mayor in the upcoming election, you must be:

A Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old
A resident of the municipality, a non-resident owner or tenant of land in the municipality or the spouse of such non-resident owner or tenant
Not legally prohibited from voting; and not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office.

Candidates are also required to pay a fee of $100 ($200 for head of council).

So You Want to Run For Council: Candidate Information Sessions

Learn more about municipal powers, roles and responsibilities, the impact on family life, and more at these workshops! Three to choose from, including a virtual option. This municipally-sponsored event is free to attend.

Learn More

Resources

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is holding webinars, both for those interested in running, and returning candidates. Find further information at: https://www.amo.on.ca/amos-healthy-democracy-leaders-series-stronger-leaders-stronger-communities

2022 Election Results

Reeve
Candidate	Total
Chris Pleau	1245
Keith Watt (elected)	1685

Councillor
Candidate	Total
Jen Gauthier (elected)	1694
Wendy Hewitt (elected)	1413
Brian Hugli (elected)	1708
Danny Janke	1013
Betty King (elected)	1264
Stewart Ray	816
Jason Schulz	1211
Mike Summers	1113
Allan Wren (elected)	1827

French Separate School Trustee
Candidate	Total
Robert Lemelin	56
Daniel Levasseur	111

Other Results

Mayor - Steve Bennett (acclaimed)

Trustee, Renfrew County Public District School Board - Michael Guenette (acclaimed)

Trustee, Renfrew County Catholic District School Board - Pat O'Grady (acclaimed)

Trustee, Conseil des Ecoles Publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario - Colette Stitt (acclaimed)

View the 2022 election results

A hand placing a voter ballot into a box.

2022 Notice of Nomination for Office