FAQs

Aylmer is part of a two-tier municipal system, made up of the Town of Aylmer and Elgin County. Elgin County provides county-wide services like roads, paramedics, libraries, long-term care, and economic development. The Town of Aylmer delivers local services such as roads and sidewalks, parks and recreation, fire protection, by-law enforcement, planning, building permits, and waste collection. When you pay property taxes, funding is shared between both the Town and the County to support these services.

The Town of Aylmer is governed by a 7-member Council, made up of: 1 Mayor, 1 Deputy Mayor, and 5 Councillors. Council members help shape local policies, approve the municipal budget, and make decisions that affect daily life in Aylmer. In the 2026 municipal election, residents can run for Mayor or a Councillor position. The Deputy Mayor is appointed from among the elected Councillors. All Council members serve four-year terms.

Beyond regular Council meetings, Aylmer’s elected officials also represent our town on local and regional boards and committees, helping guide decisions on key community priorities. These include but are not limited to: Aylmer Area Secondary Water Board, Business Improvement Area (BIA)/Mainstreet, Catfish Creek Conservation Authority Board, and the Police Service Board.

Serving on these committees allows Council Members to work more closely with residents, regional partners, and subject experts, ensuring your voice is heard where it matters most. Community members can get involved too! Keep an eye out for calls to join advisory committees or task forces.

In Aylmer, important local decisions — like passing by-laws, approving budgets, and guiding growth — are made at the Council table. Each member has one vote, and decisions are made by majority vote during regular Council meetings. Meetings follow a published agenda, where staff present reports, Council asks questions, and motions are debated and voted on.

Meetings are open to the public — attend in person, watch online, or check recaps on our social media and website.

In 2025, Aylmer became one of the Ontario municipalities with strong mayor powers. These powers allow the Mayor to prepare and present the draft budget, appoint certain senior staff, direct municipal staff to carry out provincial priorities, and veto specific by-laws tied to provincial matters. Council can override a veto with a two-thirds majority, and these powers only apply to decisions connected to provincial priorities like housing and infrastructure.

Here’s a snapshot of our current projects and priorities:

Trail Expansion - 1 km of new multi-use trails at Rotary Park.
Residential Growth - New homes are being built in Cottonwood, Willow Run, and Centennial Estates; John Street South now has several townhouse and condominium developments.
Industrial & Commercial Development - AIM Park is fully serviced, with lots being sold for industrial development; Progress Drive hosts new commercial developments; Existing industries are expanding their manufacturing spaces.
Infrastructure Improvements - Upgrades to water, stormwater, and roads keep our town future-ready; A provincial grant is supporting development, rehabilitation, and expansion of water and wastewater infrastructure; The water tower project, completed in 2025, is a major improvement to support growth.

Here’s a quick look at what each Town of Aylmer department does to keep our community running smoothly:

Police Services: Keep our community safe, Enforce laws, Respond to emergencies and investigations

Fire Services: Protect lives and property from fire and other emergencies, Provide fire prevention education, Respond to medical calls and rescue situations

Planning & Development (including Building): Manage land use and zoning, Issue building permits and conduct inspections, Guide residential, commercial, and industrial growth

Finance: Manage the Town’s budget and finances, Collect property taxes, Ensure sound financial planning and reporting

Legislative Services: Support Council meetings, agendas, and minutes, Maintain municipal records, Provide Commissioner of Oaths and other public services

Parks & Recreation: Maintain parks, trails, and recreation facilities, Plan and run community programs and events, Support active, healthy lifestyles

Public Works: Maintain local roads and sidewalks, Manage water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, Oversee waste and recycling collection

Vote in the municipal election
• Elect your Mayor and Councillors every four years
• Your vote decides who will guide local policies, budgets, and growth

Attend Council meetings
• Meetings are open to the public in-person or online
• Watch decisions happen, ask questions, and stay informed

Join advisory committees or task forces
• Help guide decisions on parks, recreation, planning, or community programs
• Committees give residents a direct role in shaping local priorities

Share your feedback
• Participate in surveys, consultations, and open houses
• Submit comments on projects, policies, or bylaws via getinvolved.aylmer.ca

Stay connected
• Follow @TownofAylmer for updates on Council decisions, projects, and opportunities to get involved

A Council Member helps guide the direction of the Town by making decisions that affect daily life in Aylmer.

Governance & Decision-Making
• Attend regular and special Council meetings
• Review reports, ask questions, debate motions, and vote on by-laws and policies

Budget & Financial Oversight
• Review and approve the municipal budget
• Help set tax rates and funding priorities
• Ensure responsible use of public funds

Representation
• Represent residents’ interests
• Listen to community concerns
• Serve on boards and committees on behalf of the Town

Accountability & Conduct
• Follow the Municipal Act and Code of Conduct
• Act in the public interest
• Work respectfully with Council, staff, and the public

The time commitment varies, but generally includes:
• Attending regular and special Council meetings
• Preparing in advance by reviewing agendas and reports
• Participating in committee and board meetings
• Attending community events, meetings, or training sessions
• Responding to constituent questions and concerns

Some weeks may be lighter, while others — such as budget season or major projects — require more time and preparation.

Both the Mayor and Councillors are elected officials, but their responsibilities are not the same.

The Mayor

- Serves as the head of Council
- Chairs Council meetings and provides leadership
- Represents Aylmer at official functions and regional meetings
- Acts as the Town’s primary spokesperson
- Holds strong mayor powers under provincial legislation, including:
• Presenting the draft budget
• Appointing certain senior staff
• Directing staff to carry out provincial priorities
• Vetoing specific by-laws tied to provincial matters

The Mayor has one vote, the same as other Council members.

Councillors

- Represent residents and neighbourhoods
- Review reports, ask questions, debate motions, and vote on decisions
- Serve on committees and boards
- Help shape policies, budgets, and long-term plans
- Bring community concerns and ideas to the Council table

What They Have in Common

✔️ Elected for four-year terms
✔️ Each has one vote on Council
✔️ Must follow the Municipal Act and Code of Conduct
 ✔️ Do not manage staff or day-to-day operations

Which Role Is Right for You?

💭 If you’re interested in leadership, public representation, and setting overall direction, the Mayor role may be a fit.
 💭 If you prefer policy work, collaboration, and representing community voices, a Councillor role may be right for you.

In Ontario, to run for Mayor or Councillor, you must:
✔️ Be at least 18 years old
✔️ Be a Canadian citizen
✔️ Be a resident of the municipality, or
✔️ Own or rent property in the municipality (or be the spouse of an owner or tenant)
 ✔️ Not be legally disqualified under the Municipal Elections Act

What Experience Helps (But Isn’t Required)

Helpful experience may include:
• Community or volunteer involvement
• Serving on boards or committees
• Leadership or teamwork roles
• Financial, policy, or planning experience
 • Strong communication and listening skills

These skills can be developed over time.

What’s Not Required

❌ You do not need political experience
❌ You do not need a background in law, finance, or planning
❌ You do not need to be a “public speaker”
❌ You do not need to know everything before running

Training, staff support, and resources are provided once elected.

If you care about your community, are willing to learn, and want to represent residents fairly — you may already be more qualified than you think.

Step 1: File Your Nomination

To become a candidate, you must:
• Complete a Nomination Paper
• Collect the required endorsement signatures
• File the paperwork with the Town Clerk during the nomination period

Nominations are open Friday May 1, 2026 to Friday August 21, 2026

Once your nomination is certified, you are officially a candidate.

Step 2: Understand the Rules

Candidates must follow the Municipal Elections Act, including rules around:
• Campaign finances
• Spending limits
• Fundraising and contributions
• Advertising and campaign signs

The Clerk’s office provides information to help candidates understand these requirements.

Step 3: Plan Your Campaign

Running for office looks different for everyone, but often includes:
• Talking with residents and listening to community concerns
• Sharing your ideas and priorities
• Attending community events
• Using signs, social media, or printed materials

You don’t need a large or expensive campaign to run — many successful campaigns are simple and community-focused.

Step 4: Election Day

• Voting takes place October 26, 2026
• Eligible residents cast their ballots
• Results are announced after polls close

If you decide to run, candidates must follow the Municipal Elections Act, which sets out rules to ensure fair and transparent elections.

Key Campaign Rules

When campaigning can begin
• You may campaign after filing your nomination (Nominations are open May 1, 2026 - August 21, 2026)
• Campaigning before filing is not permitted

Campaign advertising
• Signs, social media, and printed materials must follow local by-laws
• Campaign signs are only allowed during permitted timeframes

Use of Town resources
• Municipal resources, logos, and facilities cannot be used for campaign purposes

Conduct and compliance
• Candidates must act respectfully and follow election-related rules
• All candidates are responsible for understanding and complying with legislation

The Clerk’s office provides guidance and resources to help candidates understand these requirements.

If you run for Mayor or Council, you must follow rules around fundraising, spending, and reporting.

Campaign Finance Basics

Campaign spending limits
• Each candidate has a maximum amount they can spend
• Limits are set under the Municipal Elections Act

Contributions
• Contributions can come from individuals only
• Corporations and unions are not permitted to contribute
• Contribution limits apply

Tracking and reporting
• Candidates must keep records of all contributions and expenses
• A financial statement must be filed after the election

Surplus or deficit
• Any surplus funds must be handled according to legislation
• Campaign debts must be cleared within required timelines

The Clerk’s office provides forms, guidance, and deadlines to help candidates comply.

Many candidates run low-cost campaigns — successful campaigns are often built on conversations, not big budgets.