The above is a rendering for proposed redevelopment of the the former Ontario Fire College property in Gravenhurst. While this redevelopment falls  largely under provincial jurisdiction, every vote will matter in the upcoming Municipal Election if environmental and local concerns are to be taken into account. Recent changes to simplify voter list reconciliation may mean you are not on the list to vote on line or by phone Oct 14-16, 2026.

Muskoka Lakes Association learned recently that in response to a request by Municipal Clerks to simplify reconciling the voting list for 2026 municipal elections, responsibility for creating the voters list for the 2026 election was shifted from MPAC to Elections Ontario.   With this change, the MLA reports that as voting in Federal and Provincial elections is limited to your primary residence, all or most previously registered seasonal residents in Muskoka and across Ontario have been dropped from the voter list and will need to register themselves (as will their spouses). 

Every vote matters when it comes to environmentally aware development in Muskoka. THE MLA has prepared this handy guide. Share widely! 

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS OCTOBER 26, 2026: IMPORTANT CHANGE Check the Ontario Voters List Before August 12, 2026 

If you are a seasonal resident, you may not know you can vote where you own a second property, as well as where you have your permanent residence. Voting in municipal elections is critical - municipal councils make decisions that can have a big impact on cottage life including rules about building and services such as garbage. 

To be able to vote, you have to be on the voters list. This year, seasonal residents must check the list, even if you've voted before. It's likely you'll have to add yourself again due to an administrative change. 

It is easy to check that list and to add yourself, your spouse, or property co-owners. 

HERE'S HOW: 

Until August 12, you can do it at the registertovoteon.ca web site. Your final goal is to get the site to give you the message that you are on the list and that you will receive a voters card and PIN in the mail in September 2026 at the “Home Address” which you specify on the site. You can also call your municipal clerk - website info is below. 

After August 12, you must call your municipal clerk. 

FAQ  MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS: 

WHEN: Vote from Oct 14-26, 2026 

HOW: Vote online or by phone 

CHECK: Seasonal residents must check the voters list at registertovoteon.ca (to Aug 12) or call their municipal clerk

Q1. I don’t like web sites and government forms. Is there any other way to check my voters list registration? 

Yes. Start by calling the municipality where your property is located. Most of them have designated election offices and staff dedicated to helping voters get on the list. 

Q2 I’ve been on the list before and registered to vote in Muskoka in 2022. Why should I check the list now? 

The previous list was maintained by MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) and the responsibility for it has been handed off to Elections Ontario.  Some or all of the data may not have been transferred (especially in the case of seasonal residents) and therefore those people who used to be able to vote, or their property details or mailing address may have dropped off the list.

Q3. Is there a deadline to register or check the voters list? 

Yes. Do it online through the Elections Ontario Web site registertovoteon.ca by 12 August. It is also going to be possible to do it through your applicable municipality between 14 August and mid September. The municipality will publish a web site but you can also call them or go in person. Staff at the Township of Muskoka Lakes say 

that they will personally assist voters to complete the registration process even up to and including voting day 26 October, 2026. 

Q4. Who can Vote? 

Only Canadian citizens over 18 can vote. They may vote in every municipality where they or their spouses own or rent property in Ontario. That applies to seasonal residents (and spouses) and tenants in Muskoka. 

Q5. Where, when and how do I vote? 

The municipal election day is 26 October, 2026, and you can vote as early as October 14. In Muskoka, voting is online or by telephone only. You can go home at the end of the summer and still vote in Muskoka! You will receive a voter's card by mail in September 2026 which will give you instructions and a personal PIN.  

Q6. How many times may I vote? 

You and your spouse may vote once per electoral district/municipality in which you own or rent property. For instance: if you live in Barrie in the winter and own a seasonal cottage in Muskoka then each registered owner, etc. may vote once in each place. If you own three properties in the Township of Muskoka Lakes, you have to pick one property to include in the voters list and you may only vote once in Muskoka Lakes. 

ONLINE FORM TIPS: READ THIS! 

Q7. Why does the registertovoteon.ca web site have a box asking for my home address. 

The site wants to know your permanent mailing address in order to send you a voter card and PIN. It has nothing to do with Revenue Canada and principal residences. Filling in the box showing a home address does not prevent you from filling it in a second time to register other property addresses which you own or rent but do not wish to designate as your mailing address. Just confirm what you see if you like it and then go to the ADD box. 

Q8. The registertovoteon.ca website sometimes asks for proof of property ownership, personal ID, or a tax roll number. If you are registering as a spouse, it may ask for proof that you are married (marriage certificate, utility bill with your name on it) as well. Sometimes it doesn’t. How come?

The site gives many options. It shows boxes for CHECK, UPDATE, ADD, REMOVE,  It is possible to progress step by step through the process. Just click again or go to the “start over” option. 

There is a chance that because you are already on the old MPAC list the site won’t demand a roll number or proof of ownership or ID. But if it doesn’t ask you for these documents, do not take it for granted that you are on the list. Mistakes have happened. Get the details ready and pay attention to which box you are using for entry to the system. When completing the form remember whether you are “Checking, Updating, Adding or Removing” yourself or a property. 

Q9. The site seems ambiguous. How will I know that I am on the list? 

One of three things may happen: You’ll get a reference number which can be supplied back to the site when you check the status of your update or addition: or you will see a dialogue box which starts with the sentence “We have found you on the…”; or you may see a dialogue box which says please confirm this information.  Click the box to do so. 

If you are still in doubt, call 1-866-242-3025 before 12 August, 2026. You will get to speak with a real person to confirm. After 12 August, call your municipal office and speak to the elections staff. 

MUNICIPAL ELECTION WEBSITES 

Township of Muskoka Lakes https://www.muskokalakes.ca/2026-elections/ Gravenhurst Votes https://www.gravenhurst.ca/gravenhurst-votes/ Bracebridge Votes https://www.bracebridgevotes.ca/ 

Seguin Votes https://seguin.ca/elections 

Q10. I don’t know the issues or the candidates. How can I find out these things? 

The Muskoka Lakes Association https://mla.on.ca/Election-2026 closely follows the actions of all Councils and Councillors throughout their term advocating for policies and decisions that protect and preserve Muskoka’s environment. The MLA keeps members informed of the issues in Muskoka through regular publications and emails. Not a member? Contact Mark or Susan for a personal introduction!