Staff Report: 2026 Municipal Election Appointments

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The purpose of this report is for Council to consider appointment of the Chief Election Officer (CEO) and Deputy Chief Election Officers (DCEOs) for the 2026 municipal election.

BACKGROUND:

The 2026 municipal election will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026. In accordance with provisions of the Local Government Act, Council is required to appoint a CEO and DCEO to oversee the municipal election. These appointments are responsible for ensuring that the election is run in a fair and open manner, and that all legislative requirements of the election are met.

With there now being four voting locations for general voting day, staff recommend that Council appoint the Director of Legislative and Protective Services as the Chief Election Officer and three Deputy Chief Election Officers to allow for this position to be present at each voting location.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The 2026 municipal election budget is considered as part of the City’s Financial Plan.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS:

Pursuant to section 58 of the Local Government Act, a local government must appoint a Chief Election Officer and a Deputy Chief Election Officer for the purpose of conducting an election.

STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:

5 – Good Governance.

OPTIONS:

Option 1

THAT Council appoint Marie Watmough, Corporate Officer as Chief Election Officer for the 2026 Municipal Election;

AND

THAT Melisa Miles, Deputy Corporate Officer, and Barbara Boisvert and Nisa Johnston, Legislative Services Administrative Coordinators be appointed as Deputy Chief Election Officers for the 2026 Municipal Election.

SUBMITTED BY:

Marie Watmough, Director of Legislative & Protective Services

Concurrence:

• Melisa Miles, Manager of Legislative Services
• Donna Petrie, Senior Manager of Communications & Economic Development
• Yari Nielsen, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities
• Leah Stohmann, RPP, MCIP, Director of Community Planning and Development
• Katelyn Balzer, P.Eng., Director of Engineering and Public Works
• Michael Dillabaugh, CPA, CA, Director of Finance
• Braden Hutchins, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer