Candidates

On this page:

1. Shape the Future of St. Marys & Run for Office 
2. Make Your Municipal Move Video
3. Candidate Information Sessions (February and March)
4. An Information Session for Youth Considering Running for Municipal Office 
5. An Information Session for Urban Indigenous Peoples’ Considering Running for Municipal Office 

Shape the Future of St. Marys & Run for Office

Running for municipal office in St. Marys is your chance to make a real difference in the community you call home. From shaping the spaces where we gather to guiding the services residents rely on every day, municipal leaders play a key role in keeping our town thriving.

Being a municipal candidate is more than a position on a ballot. It is an opportunity to have a direct impact on planning, infrastructure, recreation, finance, and community programs that touch daily life in St. Marys. The decisions elected officials make help shape the places we live, work, and grow.

Not sure where to start? Take Ontario's fit finder quiz to find out which area of municipal work fits you best. It’s like a match-maker for your career.

Municipal leadership requires dedication, vision, and a desire to serve with purpose. If you are considering running in St. Marys, learn how your involvement can contribute to the town’s (and beyond) continued success here or watch the video below to see how local municipal professionals work behind the scenes to keep communities moving forward every day.

Candidate Information Sessions

Candidate Information Sessions - February & March 2026

Experienced and knowledgeable trainers from Clerks On Call will guide prospective election candidates through the essential information they need before deciding to run for municipal office.

This includes:

• understanding some of the reasons to run - or not to run - for council
• key considerations before entering the race (personal, financial, etc.)
• the roles and responsibilities of council members and staff
• the powers and influence of municipal government and council members (including strong mayor powers)
• overview of governance, legislative, and decision-making process
• the importance of transparency and accountability
• general campaign information
• strategies for engaging with the media and public

In-Person Dates & Locations: 

Wednesday, February 25
Pyramid Recreation Centre – End Zone
317 James Street South, St. Marys
6:00 – 9:00pm

Wednesday, March 25
Perth East Recreation Complex
40 Temperance Street, Milverton
6:00 – 9:00pm

Join virtually by registering via email by 4:30 pm on the day of the session:
To register for the February 25 session email clerksoffice@town.stmarys.on.ca.
To register for the March 25 session email elections@pertheast.ca

An Information Session for Youth Considering Running for Municipal Office

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of workshops for young people thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections. Learn more by visiting their website. 

An Information Session for Urban Indigenous Peoples’ Considering Running for Municipal Office 

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of workshops for urban Indigenous peoples’ thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections. Learn more by visiting their website. This session is a part of AMO's Healthy Democracy Leadership Series.