Why should we encourage farmers to run for council?

Agriculture is an economic driver for local communities, contributing significantly to workforce development, municipal finance, business development and more. However, often the agricultural lens is not applied when development and infrastructure projects, by-laws, or other municipal decisions are being made, leading to unintended harmful consequences for the local agriculture community.

In the current context this is especially important. We are seeing increased pressures on prime farmland as urban expansion and development priorities prevail. Moreover, Ontarians are increasingly disconnected from where their food comes from. Having agriculture advocates at the decision-making table is essential to preserving Farms and Food Forever.

Approaching the conversation

Identifying strong agricultural advocates to be prospective candidates is the first step. However, approaching the conversation is a different story. The information provided below will help you ensure those identified as prospective candidates are well-informed to make their decision.

Where to find what you need to know

Knowing everything up front is not a requirement for being a strong municipal councillor. The strongest asset is your knowledge and passion for agriculture. There are many tools and resources that will help prospective candidates learn as they go. Knowing the municipal procedures is mainly the role of the clerk, CAO or city manager.

OFA has a full team of Member Service Representatives (MSRs) located across the province that are ready and willing to connect you to the information you need to know if you’re interested in putting your name forward for council. Find the MSR in your region at ofa.on.ca/msr.

OFA’s website also hosts a wealth of knowledge on municipal issues impacting agriculture. This toolkit includes a comprehensive list of what is available to you.

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) has developed extensive resources to educate and inform candidates on how Ontario municipalities operate. These resources can be found at www.amo.on.ca/about-us/municipal-101.

• Lead Where You Live Guide 2026: A Guide for Running for Municipal Council
• Municipal 101

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing created the Ontario Municipal Councillor’s Guide, which is intended to provide a summary of complex matters relating to municipal affairs. The guide is available at ontario.ca/document/ontario-municipal-councillors-guide.

Key details for putting your name forward

Eligibility

• Canadian citizen
• At least 18 years old
• Resident, non-resident owner, or tenant of land in the municipality, or spouse of a non-resident owner or tenant

Key dates

• Nominations open: May 1 – August 21, 2026
• Voter list finalized: September 1, 2026
• Election day: October 26, 2026

Nomination Requirements

• Fee: There is a nomination fee of $100 for councillor and $200 for mayor or reeve.
• Endorsement: Your nomination must be endorsed by 25 eligible voters in the municipality.

Commitment
Municipal terms run for 4 years, meaning candidates will be on council from 2026-2030.

• Meeting attendance: Regular council meetings (typically twice a month), specialized committee meetings (e.g. planning, agriculture, etc.).
• Constituent issues: Deal with resident concerns that may require immediate attention.
• Study and preparation: Review large volumes of reports, by-laws, and budgets.

Training Opportunities

• AMO is hosting a free workshop series to help returning and prospective candidates prepare for the election campaign.
  Workshop details available at www.amo.on.ca.

The service areas that fall under the jurisdiction and responsibility of all Ontario municipalities.

Learn more about all the municipal resources ahead of the 2026 fall election at amo.on.ca/about-us/municipal-101

For more information and municipal resources, visit: ofa.on.ca/growag