Municipal Election
The next Municipal and School Board Election will take place on October 26, 2026.
Information on this page will be updated as it becomes available.
Voters' List
Amendments to the voters’ list through Elections Ontario closed on August 12, 2026.
Electors who need to confirm, update, or add their information to the municipal or provincial voters’ list after this date must contact the Clerk’s Department directly after September 1, 2026.
Electors may also make additions or changes to their information at an advance voting location or on Election Day. However, these requests require processing and may result in delays. Electors are therefore encouraged to confirm their information and make any necessary changes in advance of voting.
To check your school board support, visit the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) website.
General Election Information
CLK MEP-01: Emergencies During the Voting Period
CLK MEP-02: Conducting a Recount
CLK MEP-03: Nomination Procedure
CLK MEP-04: Third Party Advertiser Registration Procedure
CLK MEP-05: Candidate Communication
CLK MEP-06: Scrutineer Appointment and Conduct
CLK MEP-07: Election Notices and Public Information
CLK MEP-09: Voters' List Management
CLK MEP-10: Designation of Voting Place
CLK MEP-11: Election Official Roles and Responsibilities
CLK MEP-12: Processing Electors
CLK MEP-13: Advance Voting Procedure
CLK MEP-14: Institutional Voting
CLK MEP-15: Opening and Closing the Voting Place
CLK MEP-16: Alternative Voting Method
CLK MEP-17: Vote Tabulator Procedure
Helpful information pertaining to the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election will be published below as it becomes available:
On May 29, 2024, following a Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review, Council approved a revised three-ward boundary model. Subsequently, By-law 84-2024 was enacted on December 4, 2024, formally establishing the new boundaries. These changes will come into effect for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election.
The full report can be viewed here.
Updated ward maps:
Joint Compliance Audit Committee
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of municipal elections, including campaign finance rules
- Proven analytical, decision-making and communication skills
- Experience working on committees, boards, adjudicative bodies, task forces or in similar settings
- Demonstrated knowledge of quasi-judicial proceedings
- Availability to attend meetings during daytime and evening hours
Voter Information
Am I on the Voters' List
Amending the Voters’ List
As of August 12, 2026, the authority to make changes to the voters’ list has transferred from Elections Ontario to the local Clerk’s Office.
Requests to amend the voters’ list can be made beginning September 1, 2026, until October 26, 2026, at 8:00 p.m.
Voters can request amendments through the Clerk’s Office before voting, at an advance voting location, or on Election Day. Please note that requests made at an advance voting location or on Election Day require processing and may result in delays. Electors are encouraged to review and confirm their information and make any necessary changes before voting whenever possible.
School Board Designation
Changes to an elector’s school board designation can be requested through the Clerk’s Office. However, permanent changes to an elector’s school support designation must be made through the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).
Application to Amend the Voters’ List
To access the Application to Amend the Voters’ List, click below:
PDF Application
Fillable PDF Application
Physical copies of the application are also available at Pelham Town Hall.
*New for 2026* Alternative Voting Method: Online/Internet Voting
For the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election, the Town of Pelham will be offering online (internet) voting as an alternative voting method.
- Internet voting will be available to all eligible electors during an advance voting period.
- In-person advance voting opportunities will also be available during an advance voting period.
- On Voting Day (October 26, 2026), voting will be limited to in-person only.
This alternative method allows electors to cast their ballot from anywhere, at any time, during the prescribed online voting period.
Further details about the online voting process will be posted as they become available. Access information will be distributed directly to all electors. No pre-registration or notification will be required to use this method.
Electors requesting to be added to or revised on the voters’ list must provide identification showing:
- name;
- principal residential address;
- qualifying address (if different from the principal address)
Electors must provide identification proving their identity and qualifying address in order to receive a ballot.
Acceptable identification shall be in accordance with Ontario Regulation 304/13.
Key requirements include:
- Identification must be original or a certified/notarized copy;
- expired documents are acceptable;
- if two pieces of identification are provided, they must be from different sources;
- a voter information card cannot be used as the sole proof of identity or address;
- printed electronic documents are not acceptable unless otherwise permitted;
- if an identification document does not show an address, but the address matches the voters’ list, the requirement is deemed satisfied; and
- an Ontario Health Card without an address is only acceptable if accompanied by a second document showing the address.
Click here for a more fulsome list of identification requirements.
Candidate Information
I, Holly Willford, Town Clerk/Returning Officer, advise that during the period commencing on May 1, 2026, and completed on Nomination Day, August 21, 2026, the following persons have filed all necessary nomination papers, endorsements, declarations, and fees, which have been certified:
Candidates for Mayor:
Adamson, Frank
24 Concord Street
Pelham, ON L3E 0R7
Campaign Headquarters: 1 Highway 20 West, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0
Cell: 905-892-0200
Email: fadamson@vaxxine.com
Braun, Wally
Tel: 289-686-8822
Email: wallybraunalt2@mail.com
Gananathan, Randy
Tel: 905-892-2000
Email: rdgananathan@gmail.com
Junkin, Marvin
408 Roland Road
Ridgeville, ON L0S 1M0
Campaign Headquarters:433 Sixteen Rd, Ridgeville, ON L0S 1M0
Cell: 905-933-9300
Email: marv@marvinjunkin.ca
Website: marvinjunkin.ca
Candidates for Councillor, Ward One:
Brunarski, Bryce
1746 Cream Street
Pelham, ON L0S 1C0
Email: bbrunarski@gmail.com
Website: www.brycebrunarski.ca
Grebe, Kevin
Ker, Kevin
1215 Maple Street
Pelham, ON L0S 1C0
Tel: 905-892-9803
Cell: 905-933-7119
Email: kwker1@gmail.com
Olson, Wayne
Campaign Headquarters: 906 Highway 20 W, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0
Cell: 905-933-6033
Email: wayneolson191@gmail.com
Website: wayne4ward1.ca
Candidates for Councillor, Ward Two:
Eckhardt, Brian
4 Cherry Avenue
Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0
Home: 905-892-0664
Cell: 905-328-2244
Email: 2923bwe@gmail.com
Rybiak, Barbara Ann "Barb"
16 Buckley Terrace
Fonthill ON L3E 0T2
Home: 905-892-0796
Cell: 905-941-2796
Email: barb.rybiak26@gmail.com
Svob, Thomas "Tom"
21 Emmett Street
Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0
Cell: 437-329-9854
Email: svob4pelham@gmail.com
Website: svob4Pelham.ca
Wink, John
Cell: 905-380-1478
Email: electwink@gmail.com
Website: electwinkforpelham.ca
Candidates for Councillor, Ward Three:
Coyle, Kevin James
Campaign Headquarters: 1475 Pelham Street, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0
Home: 905-321-6714
Email: kcoyle0416@gmail.com
Website: kevincoylepelham.ca
Durotoye, Jane
Cell: 289-894-7588
Email: jannyify@yahoo.com
Hildebrandt, Robert (Bob)
Campaign Headquarters: 1065 Darby Lane, Fonthill ON L3E 0N6
Cell: 905-932-9898
Email: bobhildebrandt@gmail.com
Niznik, Shellee
Cell: 905-328-0345
Email: shellee.niznik@gmail.com
Panici, Georgio
Cell: 905-941-3825
Email: georgiopanici@gmail.com
As Clerk, I am satisfied that such persons are qualified and that their Nominations satisfy the requirements of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.
Candidates for School Board Trustee, English Public:
Beamer, Nancy
1650 Centre Street
Pelham, ON L0S 1M0
Tel: 905-892-5280
Email: nancybeamer5@gmail.com
Borland, Linda
Email: lindaborland06@gmail.com
Uddin, Muhammad Siraj
Email: sirajparacha01@gmail.com
Candidates for School Board Trustee, English Separate:
Belsky, Igor
Email: kollageconsulting@gmail.com
Ruiter, Irma
Email: irmaruiter@yahoo.com
Turner, Paul
Tel: 289-686-5260
Email: paulturnernd@hotmail.com
Candidates for School Board Trustee, French Public:
Graham, Matthew Julian
Leduc, Amanda
Email: leduccsvniagara@gmail.com
Website:www.instagram.com/leduccsvniagara/
Tikeng, Marcel
Email: politikeng@gmail.com
Website: https://marcel-tikeng.lovable.app
Candidates for School Board Trustee, French Separate:
Philome, Jean Max
Email: jmxphilom@yahoo.fr
- Mayor (and Councillor, Region of Niagara)
- Councillors (two to be elected in each of the three wards)
- School Board Trustees:
- English Public and English Catholic
- French Public and French Catholic
Who Can Be a Candidate?
You are qualified to be elected or to hold office as Mayor, Ward Councillor, Regional Councillor or School Board Trustee if, on the day your nomination paper is filed, you are:
- At least 18 years of age;
- A Canadian citizen;
- A resident of the Town of Pelham, or an owner/tenant of land in the Town of Pelham, or the spouse of such an owner or tenant.
You are not eligible if you are:
- Not a Canadian citizen;
- Under 18 years old;
- Not an elector in the municipality;
- An employee of the municipality (see below);
- A judge of any court;
- An MP, MPP, or Senator (must resign before nomination day if you wish to run);
- Serving a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correctional institution;
- Disqualified due to violations under the Municipal Elections Act or Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
Town Employees Seeking Office
- Employees of the Town of Pelham or its local boards must take an unpaid leave of absence beginning on the day they are nominated and lasting until Voting Day;
- Documentation showing the effective date of the leave must be filed with the nomination paper;
- Employees elected to office must resign their position.
Filing Fees
As set out under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, the following nomination filing fees apply:
- Mayor – $200.00
- Ward Councillor – $100.00
- School Board Trustee – $100.00
Payment Methods
Filing fees must be paid by cash, certified cheque, debit card, or money order, made payable to the Town of Pelham.
School Board Trustee Nomination Filing Locations:
- English Public Trustee: Nominations filed with the City of Thorold Clerk’s Office – $100.00
- English Catholic Trustee: Nominations filed with the Town of Grimsby Clerk’s Office – $100.00
- French Public Trustee and French Catholic Trustee: Nominations filed with the City of Welland Clerk’s Office – $100.00
Withdrawal of Nomination
If a candidate chooses to withdraw their nomination for office, the following steps are required:
- File in person: Complete and submit a written Withdrawal of Nomination form with the Town Clerk.
- Provide identification: Proof of identity must be shown at the time of filing.
- File a financial statement: Even if you withdraw, a financial statement must still be submitted by the prescribed deadline.
- Deadline to withdraw: Friday, August 21, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Reasons a Nomination May be Rejected
Prior to 4:00 p.m. on August 24, 2026 (the Monday following Nomination Day), the Town Clerk is required to review and examine all nomination papers filed.
- If the nomination meets the requirements of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, the Clerk will certify the nomination.
- If the nomination does not meet the requirements, the Clerk must reject it. Written notice will be provided to the individual who filed the nomination and to all other candidates for that office. The Clerk’s decision to reject a nomination is final.
Grounds for Rejection
A nomination may be rejected for the following reasons:
- The candidate refuses or fails to provide proof of qualifications or acceptable identification to the Town Clerk.
- The candidate does not meet the eligibility requirements under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.
- The nomination form is incomplete or the required filing fee has not been paid.
- The candidate failed to file the necessary financial statement in a previous municipal election or by-election.
The updated Provincial forms for the 2026 Municipal Election are provided below for reference and use.
- Form 1 - Nomination Paper
- Form 2 - Endorsement of Nomination
- It is recommended that each candidate exceed 25 signatures to ensure that all meet the necessary requirements.
- See form access instructions below.
- Form 4 - Financial Statement of Auditors Report - Candidate
- See form access instructions below.
- Form 5 - Financial Statement - Subsequent Expenses
- Form 6 - Notice of Extension of Campaign Period
- Declaration of Qualifications - Council Member
- Declaration of Qualifications - School Board Trustee Candidate
Troubleshooting PDF Forms
Provincial forms require Adobe Reader to be completed and cannot be bypassed or modified for use directly within a web browser by the municipality. If you experience issues opening a form in a web browser (e.g., Chrome), please follow these steps:
- Locate the form on the Ontario Central Forms Repository.
- Right-click the form and select “Save link as” to save it to your desktop.
- Open the saved form directly with Adobe Acrobat Reader (do not double-click to open in a browser).
- Complete the form, save your data, and close it.
- Reopen the file in Adobe Reader to confirm that your information
Candidates filing nominations with the Clerk will be provided with Form 1, Form 2, and Form 4 in print at the time of filing. Form 1 and Form 2 may be requested in advance.
As information and resources become available, they will be posted below:
- 2026 Candidates Guide - Province of Ontario
- 2026 Candidates Guide - Town of Pelham
- S201-11 – Use of Corporate Resources for Election Purposes
- Election Sign By-law 02-2026
- Niagara Region Sign By-law 122-2013
Want to know what being the Mayor or a Councillor for the Town of Pelham entails? The 2022–2026 Term of Council has provided insight into the time devoted to certain responsibilities to help give prospective candidates a general understanding of the role.
Please refer to the Serving the Town as Mayor or Councillor FAQ for more information.
Candidates Information Night
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing hosted a Candidates Information Night on April 29, 2026, in Welland, outlining what candidates can expect and how to prepare for the upcoming municipal election.
Refer to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Candidate and Third Party Advertiser Information Session Presentation
Election Employment
We welcome and encourage all eligible residents of Pelham to apply to work in the municipal election.
Completed applications may be submitted by email to elections@pelham.ca or delivered in person to:
Town of Pelham – Town Hall
20 Pelham Town Square
Attention: Alex Lewis, Legislative Coordinator
Please note that confirmation of employment will be provided at a later date and not upon receipt of a completed application.
While election employment is generally considered volunteer civic service, each position will receive a daily stipend in recognition of time and commitment.
Third Party Advertiser Information
Registered Third Party Advertisers
As of May 1, 2026, individuals may register as third party advertisers for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election.
As registrations are filed with the Clerk's Office, a list of Registered Third Party Advertisers, including their approved contact information, will be published and updated below.
Third Party Advertising in Municipal Elections
The Municipal Elections Act, 1996, sets out specific rules for third party advertising.
A third party advertisement is any ad that promotes, supports, or opposes a candidate during an election.
A third party advertiser is the individual, corporation, or trade union that is responsible for creating, registering, and paying for the advertisement. Third party advertisers must identify themselves on all advertisements and comply with the rules and spending limits outlined in the Act.
If an individual, corporation, or trade union plans to spend money on such advertisements or related materials between May 1, 2026, and Voting Day, they must register as a third party advertiser with the Clerk before beginning any advertising.
Additional Resources:
The following information on third party advertisers and their advertisements will be updated as it becomes available.
Third Party Advertiser Registration
Interested in becoming a registered third party advertiser for the 2026 Municipal Election?
For more information, please review the Province of Ontario’s Third Party Advertiser Guide and the Town of Pelham Third Party Advertiser Guide. These resources outline the eligibility requirements, registration process, and rules governing third party advertising during the municipal election.
Registration Period
The registration period for third party advertisers for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election is May 1, 2026, to October 23, 2026.
Registration must be filed in person at the Clerk's Office:
20 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill
Appointments are preferred.
Important: Third party advertisers may not spend money, accept contributions, or begin advertising until the Clerk has certified their registration.
Appointments are recommended for filing a Third Party Advertiser registration. A registration package will be provided to all registrants in person at the time of filing. Registrants may wish to bring a completed Form 7 – Notice of Registration – Third Party Advertiser.
To schedule an appointment, please contact the Clerk or Deputy Clerk.
Eligibility to Register as a Third Party Advertiser
You are eligible to register as a third party advertiser if you are:
- An individual who is normally resident in Ontario;
- A corporation that carries on business in Ontario; or
- A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario.
You are not eligible to register as a third party advertiser if you are:
- A candidate whose nomination has been filed under section 33 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996;
- A federal political party registered under the Canada Elections Act, or any federal constituency association or registered candidate endorsed by that party;
- A provincial political party, constituency association, registered candidate, or leadership contestant registered under the Election Finances Act; or
- The Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality, or a local board.
Third party advertisers must clearly identify themselves and provide mandatory information on all advertising from May 1, 2026, until the close of voting on October 26, 2026.
All third party advertisements must include:
- Name of the registered third party advertiser;
- Municipality where the third party advertiser is registered; and
- Telephone number, mailing address, or email address where the registered third party advertiser can be contacted regarding the advertisement.
Forms for Third Party Advertisers
The updated Provincial forms for the 2026 Municipal Election are provided below for reference and use.
- Form 7 - Notice of Registration - Third Party
- See access instructions below
- Form 8 - Financial Statement Auditors Report - Third Party
- Declaration of Qualifications - Third Party Advertiser
Troubleshooting PDF Forms
If you experience issues opening a form in a web browser (e.g., Chrome), please follow these steps:
- Locate the form on the Ontario Central Forms Repository.
- Right-click the form and select “Save link as” to save it to your desktop.
- Open the saved form directly with Adobe Acrobat Reader (do not double-click to open in a browser).
- Complete the form, save your data, and close it.
- Reopen the file in Adobe Reader to confirm that your information
Previous Municipal Elections
2025 Niagara Regional Council, Pelham Representative Vacancy
On March 26, 2025, Candidate Wayne Olson was appointed to fill the Niagara Region Council Vacancy.
2025 Town of Pelham Councillor, Ward One Vacancy
On April 16, 2025, Candidate Bryce Brunarski was appointed to fill the Town of Pelham Ward One Council Vacancy.
Click here to view the Final Summary of Election Results.
Click here to view the Final Summary of Election Results for English Separate Trustee
Click here to view the Declaration of Election of Candidate(s)
Candidate Financial Statements
Candidates for Regional Councillor:
BRAUN, Wally
HUSON, Diana
SARVIS, Frederick
Candidates for Mayor:
ADAMSON, Frank
JUNKIN, Marvin
Candidates for Ward 1:
Candidates for Ward 2:
BAXTER, Carla
ECKHARDT, Brian
MCCANN, Colin
WINK, John
Candidates for Ward 3:
Click here to view the certified results.
Ward One By-Election Official Results:
|
Candidate |
Advance Poll Sept 3- Stn. #2 | Advance Poll Sept 3- Stn. #3 | Advance Poll Sept 12- Stn. #2 | Advance Poll Sept 12- Stn. #3 | Voting Day Fire Stn. #2 | Voting Day Fire Stn. #3 | Total Ward 1 Polls |
| BRAUN, Wally | 12 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 34 | 28 | 89 |
| BRIGANTINO, Maria | 1 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 11 | 4 | 22 |
| FEDERICO, James | 47 | 16 | 35 | 20 | 135 | 43 | 296 |
| KENYON, Colleen | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 11 |
| OLSON, Wayne | 96 | 26 | 114 | 42 | 282 | 121 | 681 |
| PUPO, Cari | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| SOOS, Steven | 13 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 27 | 13 | 73 |
Click here to view the Final Summary of Election Results.
To view the Declaration of Election of Candidates for individual races, please click below:
- Council, Town of Pelham and Regional Municipality of Niagara
- Trustee, District School Board of Niagara
Candidate Financial Statements
Candidates for Regional Councillor:
Third Party Advertisers:
Candidates for Mayor:
Candidates for Ward 2:
- Braun, Walter
- Crozier, Cheryl Lynn
- Cuthbertson, Amber
- Fletcher, Chris
- Forsyth-Sells, Alexandra
- Kore, Ron
- Rybiak, Barbara Ann
- Wink, John
Candidates for Ward 3:
- Brand, Uwe
- Della Marca, Vince (Enzo)
- Durley, John
- Haun, Lisa
- Hildebrandt, Robert (Bob)
- Papp, Peter Paul
- Spehar, Mary
DSBN School Board Trustee
Candidate, Withdrawn
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