Looking to take a seat at the Timmins council table?
While the municipal election isn’t until the fall, people interested in a seat at the council table can start filing their nomination papers next week.
The nomination period for the 2022 municipal election is May 2 to Aug. 19. The term runs from Nov. 15, 2022, to Nov. 14, 2026.
Here's what you need to know if you’re considering running:
What positions are available
In Timmins, there are nine seats at the table. The mayor is elected at large, with everyone getting to cast a ballot.
One councillor is elected for wards one (Mountjoy), two (South Porcupine), three (Schumacher) and four (Porcupine), and ward five is represented by four councillors. You can look at the ward maps here.
School board trustee positions will also be filled, with representatives needed for the French and English public boards, as well as the French and English Catholic boards.
Who can run
If you're eligible to vote in Timmins, you can run for a position. When filing nomination papers, you must be a Canadian citizen who is 18 years or older.
Those not eligible are someone who isn’t eligible to vote in the municipality, a municipal employee who hasn’t taken an unpaid leave of absence, a judge of any court, an MP, MPP or senator, or an inmate serving a sentence in a penal or correctional institution.
What ward can you run in
If you live in the municipality, you can run in any ward. If you seek a seat in a ward that you don't live in, you won't be able to vote for yourself.
What you need to file a nomination
There is a nomination filing fee, and candidates will need to raise cash for their campaign as well.
The filing fee for the mayor’s seat is $200. For a councillor or school board trustee position, the filing fee is $100. The city also requires an additional $200 deposit.
Along with the fees, each candidate needs at least 25 signatures of endorsement.
Where to file nomination papers
Candidates can stop by city hall during regular business hours to file their papers.
The candidates’ guide for the election is available here. Information is also available on the City of Timmins website.
Election day
Voters will head to the polls Monday, Oct. 24.
