VOTING METHODS In Person on Election Day & Advance Polls Qualified electors are welcome to vote at any of the following Niagara-on-the-Lake polling locations: Holiday Inn Express - 524 York Road. Laura Secord Homestead - 29 Queenston Street. Crossroads Public School - 1350 Niagara Stone Road. St. Davids Public School - 1344 York Road. Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre - 14 Anderson Lane. Internet Voting Voting information will be mailed directly to your address along with your Voter Information Card. Please ensure you are REGISTER TO VOTE to receive your voting details.

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3rd Party Advertisers Guide 3rd Party Registration Form 7 3rd Party Financial Stmt Form 8 3rd Party Registration Package Third Party Advertisers may register with the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake for the 2026 Municipal Election. Friday, May 1, 2026 is the first day an individual, union or corporation can file notice of registration as a third party advertiser. Third Party Advertisers have until Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 to register. Requirements Third Party Advertising is advertisements or other materials in support or opposition of a candidate in a municipal election. It is separate and independent from any candidates campaign. (A fuller description can be found in the 2026 Third Party Advertisers Guide . ) Third party advertisers must file a notice of registration with the Town Clerk in person or by agent. Registration forms (Form 7) are available online in the Town Clerk’s Office. The registration form must be filled in completely. Third Party advertisers must sign a declaration of qualification. Where to file your nomination All nominations are to be filed at the Office of the Clerk at the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Town Hall, 1593 Four Mile Creek Rd. Nominations cannot be filed electronically or by fax When visiting Town Hall to file nominations, we ask all prospective candidates to please make an appointment with the Clerk's Department by calling: 905-468-3266 ext. 315 2026 Third Party Advertisers’ Guide 2026 Third Party Advertiser Registration Package - Niagara-on-the-Lake

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The 2026 Municipal Election in Niagara-on-the-Lake Key Issues, Community Perspectives, and Election Information Overview The 2026 municipal election in Niagara-on-the-Lake involves several governance, planning, and fiscal topics. This page outlines key issues and community perspectives relevant to the election and summarizes topics commonly raised in public discussion and does not endorse candidates or positions. Key Election Topics 1. Governance and Decision-Making Several changes to municipal governance structures are relevant to the 2026 election. Ontario's "strong mayor" powers give the Lord Mayor's office authority over budget and agenda-setting. This changes aspects of how budgets and certain decisions are introduced and considered by council. At the regional level, provincial legislation has been introduced on May 7 2026 to change Niagara Regional Council’s structure, including an appointed regional chair and the removal of directly elected regional councillors beginning with the 2026 election. Questions about representation remain. Locally, discussions about council size are ongoing, and potential changes ahead of the 2026 election have been considered. The next council term will take place within a governance framework shaped by these provincial and regional changes. 2. Growth, Development, and Heritage Land use and heritage conservation are ongoing topics in Niagara-on-the-Lake. A new Official Plan is being finalized. The Official Plan is a document that guides land use, building, and development across the municipality, including Old Town, Queenston, St. Davids, Glendale, and Virgil. Expansions to Heritage Conservation Districts, particularly in Old Town, have prompted discussion about property rights, permitting processes, and neighbourhood character. Heritage preservation has been a recurring topic during the current council term. The next council will make decisions about land use and heritage policy that affect community character, property use, and tourism. 3. Municipal Finances Municipal finances are a topic of public discussion. Questions have been raised about the use of reserves and revenue assumptions in recent budgets. Operating costs continue to rise, and infrastructure investment needs remain. Transparency in budget development processes has also been discussed. The next council will face decisions about budgeting, infrastructure spending, and long-term financial planning. 4. Civic Participation Several organizations and initiatives are supporting civic engagement ahead of the election. The Niagara-on-the-Lake Residents Association (NOTLRA) is supporting civic awareness and encouraging informed participation. NOTLRA does not endorse candidates. Independent platforms and community-led initiatives are providing information and encouraging discussion about election issues. Regional governance discussions, including potential amalgamation, have contributed to public interest in municipal decision-making. A range of resources are available for residents who want to learn about candidates and issues before the election. Summary of Key Topics The following topics are part of public discussion leading up to the 2026 election: Local governance within a changing provincial and regional framework Heritage preservation and growth management Short-term affordability and long-term financial planning Transparency in municipal decision-making Community Perspectives by Area Niagara-on-the-Lake includes communities with different characteristics and priorities. The following summaries reflect topics commonly associated with each area. Old Town Heritage regulation, planning processes, and community character Heritage Conservation District policies, planning controls, and alignment with the Official Plan Council decisions in these areas affect property use and tourism-related activity on a day-to-day basis St. Davids and Queenston Growth pressures and infrastructure capacity Traffic, safety, stormwater management, and allocation of municipal resources Discussion focuses on ensuring that growth is matched by infrastructure and services Virgil Services, recreation, and long-term planning Growth impacts, drainage, and environmental considerations Discussion often focuses on whether population growth is accompanied by corresponding services and infrastructure Glendale Glendale is primarily a commercial and employment area along the QEW corridor, including retail and hotel uses. Land use direction and development planning Traffic and regional connectivity Balance between economic activity and long-term land use planning Glendale has a smaller residential base, which affects how the area is represented in municipal decisions, however, this area is planned for substantial growth of the residential base over the next 20 years Future council decisions will affect whether Glendale remains primarily commercial or incorporates more mixed uses Rural and Agricultural Areas These areas include vineyards, tender fruit lands, and rural properties. Protection of agricultural land Infrastructure maintenance, including roads, drainage, and emergency services Long-term land use stability and planning clarity Discussion in rural areas often centres on preservation, practical infrastructure, and early involvement in planning processes Representation Across Communities A single council makes decisions affecting communities with different characteristics and priorities. The 2026 election will determine how those differences are represented in municipal decision-making. Common Themes in Community Discussion About Candidates Topics frequently raised in community discussions include: Transparent Processes Open decision-making Early and meaningful public consultation Clear communication about planning and budget decisions Fiscal Responsibility Realistic budgeting and long-term planning Clear communication about trade-offs and spending priorities Local Representation Maintaining local input within broader governance changes Effective advocacy for community priorities by councillors Niagara-on-the-Lake in a Regional Context Compared to neighbouring municipalities: Elections in larger urban centres often focus on housing supply, transit, and economic growth In Niagara-on-the-Lake, growth management is closely connected to heritage, tourism, and land use Incremental changes can have a noticeable effect on community character Additional regional factors: Regional governance changes may affect the level of direct local representation Provincial policies continue to influence local planning decisions Conclusion In the 2026 election, residents of Niagara-on-the-Lake will select members of council. The elected council will make decisions about governance, growth, heritage, finances, and community planning within a changing provincial and regional context. Information about candidates, voting procedures, and election dates is available through the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Voting Day for the 2026 municipal election is October 26, 2026.

KEY ELECTION DATES Friday, May 1, 2026 – Nomination and Campaign Period Commences Nomination Period: Candidates may file nomination papers with the Clerk from Friday, May 1, 2026 to Friday, August 21, 2026. From May 1st to August 20th nomination papers can be filed Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., excluding statutory holidays. On Nomination Day papers can only be filed until 2:00 PM. Friday, August 21, 2026 - Nomination Day Last day for filing nominations up until 2:00 PM. Final day for withdrawal of candidacy. Appointments: Candidates are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Clerk’s Office. Please call 905-468-3266 ext. 315. Campaign Period: The campaign period begins on Friday, May 1, 2026, or on the date a candidate files their nomination paper, whichever is later, and ends on Thursday, December 31, 2026. Monday, August 24, 2026 - Certification of Nominations All nominations to be examined and certified by 4:00 p.m. Acclamations declared, if any. Thursday, August 27, 2026 - Election Signs Candidates may begin erecting their election signs. Monday, October 26, 2026 - Election Day Voting is held between the hours of 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Tuesday, October 27, 2026 - Official Election Results Official Election Results. Monday, November 2, 2026 - Removal of Election Signs Election signs must be removed. Tuesday, November 24, 2026 - Inauguration Day The elected members must take the oath of office prior to taking their seat. Tuesday, March 30, 2027 - Deadline for Filing Financial Statements This is the final date by which all nominated candidates must file their financial statement. The statement covers the period from the day the candidate filed their nomination paper until January 25, 2027.

Tim Balasiuk - in the media View articles about Tim that have been highlighted in the media Aug ,2026 Articles to follow when available

MIscellaneous election articles in the media View articles about Sandra that have been highlighted in the media June 19, 2026 The Lord Mayor race just got real, here's who's running (Notl News) Date Future article

WHERE AND WHEN TO VOTE Electors can "Vote Anywhere". Qualified electors are welcome to vote at any polling location in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This allows you to determine the Voting Location that best suits your mobility needs. .

Vaughn Goettler - in the media View articles about Vaughn that have been highlighted in the media July 1, 2026 NOTL Votes 2026: Goettler draws applause with ‘full-time mayor’ pledge (by Richard Harley, Niagara Now/Lake Report) May 21, 2026 No new candidates registered in NOTL election, one incumbent plans return (by Paige Seburn, Niagara Now) May 6, 2026 NOTL Votes 2026: Vaughn Goettler vows to stave off amalgamation, ‘uncontrolled’ development (by Zahraa Hmood Niagara Now) May 5, 2026 Familiar names running to become next lord mayor (by Kevin Werner - Niagara Advance)

Andrew Niven - in the media View articles about Andrew that have been highlighted in the media Aug 5 ,2026 NOTL Votes 2026: Andrew Niven seeks first elected council term (by Paige Seburn - Niagaa Now) Aug 2 ,2026 Andrew Niven announces re-election bid! https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=andrew%20niven July 29,2026 Council rejects housing plan revived by strong mayor powers (by Paige Seburn - Niagaranow.com)