By-Election 2020 - Nomination/withdrawal important date

2020 by-election logo

July 31, 2020, is an important date for this year's by-election to fill the vacant Ward One Council seat.

The date marks both the least day for filing a nomination as well as withdrawals. Please note that both applications must be completed no later than 2 p.m. 

Below is information about the role of a Councillor and what is required for filing to run for the seat. 

All other information about the 2020 by-election can be found at: www.pelham.ca/by-election-2020 

What is the role of a Council Member?

The Municipal Act, Section 224 outlines the following responsibilities for the role of a Councillor:

  1. To represent the public and to consider the well-being and interests of the municipality;

  2. To develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the municipality;

  3. To determine which services the municipality provides;

  4. To ensure that administrative policies, practices and procedures and controllership policies, practices and procedures are in place to implement the decisions of council;

    (d.1) To ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality, including the activities of the senior management of the municipality;

  5. To maintain the financial integrity of the municipality; and

  6. To carry out the duties of council under this or any other act.

The Municipal Act, Section 224 outlines the following responsibilities for the role of a Head of Mayor (Head of Council):

  1. To act as the chief executive officer of the municipality;

  2. To preside over council meetings so that its business can be carried out efficiently and effectively

  3. To provide leadership to the Council; 
    (c.1) Without limiting clause (c), to provide information and recommendations to the council with respect to the role of council described in clauses 224 (d) and (d.1);

  4. To represent the municipality at official functions; and

  5. To carry out the duties of a head of council under this or any other Act.

How often do Council Meetings occur?
Regular meetings of Council & Committee occur on the first and third Monday of every month, beginning at 5:30 pm. Public meetings under the Planning Act are held on the second Monday of the month, as required, and Special Meetings are called as deemed necessary by the Mayor.

On average, how many hours are needed to prepare for bi-weekly Council and Committee meetings?
Councillors identified the preparation time for regular meetings as a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 10 hours, depending on agenda volume.

On average, how much time is spent with residents (over the phone or in person) every week?
Councillors identified spending anywhere from 0 to 10 hours per week with residents, depending on the decisions required of Council and current issues. 

On average, how much time is spent with staff members (over the phone or in person) every week?
Councillors identified spending anywhere from 0 to 10 hours per week with staff members, depending on the decisions required of Council. 

How many advisory committees are Councillors typically a part of?
Councillors may participate in between 1 and 4 advisory committees which provide advice and assistance to Council on a variety of special interest areas. 


Filing Fees
  • Filing fee for Ward Councillor is $100.00

Withdrawal of Nomination

 If a candidate decides they no longer wish to run for Office, the following must occur: 

  • File a written Withdrawal of Nomination form, in person, with the Town Clerk;
  • Provide identification; 
  • File a financial statement by the deadline date.

Last day to withdraw: July 31, 2020 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Withdrawal of Nomination Form 

Reasons to Reject a Nomination by the Clerk

Prior to 4 p.m. on August 4, 2020 (Tuesday following Nomination Day) the Clerk must examine each nomination field. If satisfied and the nomination complies with the Municipal Election Act, 1996, the person is qualified to be nominated and the Clerk shall certify the nomination. If not satisfied, the Clerk shall reject the nomination and give notice to the person who sought to be nominated and all other candidates for that office. The Clerk's decision to reject a nomination is final. 

The Clerk may consider the following criteria in the decision to reject or certify nominations:

  • The candidate has refused or declined to provide proof of qualifications or identification suitable to the Town Clerk; 
  • The candidate does not meet the eligibility requirements set out under Section 29(1) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996;
  • The nomination form is not complete in its entirety or the filing fee has not been paid; 
  • The necessary financial statement was not filed for the previous regular election for any new election in which the individual may have been a candidate.