By Tessa Swanton (Townson),
Bruce Peninsula Press
Municipal Election to be Held on October 26, 2026
An Election Report from Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula (MNBP) Clerk, Alexandra Croce, was reviewed by Council at the January 12th council meeting. The report indicated that the upcoming Municipal and School Board Election is scheduled for October 26th. Like the 2018 and 2022 elections, internet and telephone voting are the approved voting methods. Eligible voters can cast their ballots using an internet web browser on their cellphone or computer, or by calling the election phone number on their telephone. Assistance will be available at the municipal office in a dedicated voting “help centre”.
A list of key election dates was released by the Clerk:
-Nomination period opening on May 1st;
-Nomination Day on August 21st;
-Advanced voting period starting on October 19th at 10am;
-Voting Day with the voting period ending on October 26th at 8pm;
-Council Inaugural Meeting on November 23rd.
As with any municipal election, Council may be considered “Lame Duck” from Nomination Day (August 21st) to Voting Day (October 26th) if only two out of five of the current Council members are running for office. If three members are running, then this restrictive period is avoided. A second Lame Duck instance is possible between Voting Day (October 26th) and the start of the new term (November 15th) if less than three of the current Council members were reelected. Lame Duck restricts Council from appointing municipal officers, hiring or firing employees, selling property over $50,000 and making purchases over $50,000.
Year End Parking Report Receives Limited Suggestions for Upcoming 2026 Season
A January 12th report from Chief Bylaw Officer, Carol Hopkins, revealed that only three online comments were received regarding her year-end parking report. The report was posted on the Municipality’s public engagement website, Let’s Talk NBP, for one month at the end of 2025.
Despite limited responses, Hopkins addressed the three concerns in her report hoping to improve the 2026 parking season. One respondent noted concerns from seasonal boaters regarding parking availability for loading and unloading at Little Tub Harbour in Tobermory. Hopkins’ report states that a temporary stopping area is provided at the head of Little Tub Harbour for safe loading and unloading. She discussed boater etiquette including having your boat ready, launching, parking, and keeping the launch area clear. She mentioned plans for training harbour staff to assist boaters for the 2026 season.
The second comment requested a report from the Treasurer outlining total operating costs for the 2025 Paid Parking Program compared to revenue. Hopkins advised that the report will be published once all year-end allocations are complete.
The final concern was with visitors ignoring parking restrictions at Dunks Bay cemetery and other no-parking areas. “Dunks Bay is an area that has grown exponentially since I’ve started here because everyone thinks it’s a beach, they don’t understand that it’s the end of a road allowance,” Hopkins said. She proposed that bylaw enforcement staff be stationed on-site during peak times to manage parking for 2026.
Councillor Todd Dowd asked to improve visitor education specifically at Little Cove and inform visitors that they “can’t walk to the Grotto within four hours.” Hopkins explained that the reservation system portrays this statement at the top of the page, but she will prepare an informational paper brochure for bylaw staff to distribute at popular locations like Big Tub, McCurdy Drive and Little Cove to alleviate confusion.
“With everything that happened last year, I’ve got a good handle moving forward… I will make sure it’s corrected for our 2026 season and be successful,” declared Hopkins.
Golf Carts Prohibited on Municipal Roads Under Provincial Legislation
Hopkins presented an updated ATV By-law specifying that golf carts do not fall under the municipal ATV By-law but are governed by provincial legislation. Golf carts are not permitted on municipal roads in NBP due to provincial laws restricting their use. She clarified that when someone calls and complains about golf carts on municipal roads, “I can’t come…that’s an OPP matter.”
Golf carts are ridden throughout NBP in subdivisions and hamlets, “but they shouldn’t be,” said Hopkins.
In Ontario, golf carts are prohibited unless a municipality was granted special approval in 2021 under a 10-year pilot program allowing operation on roads with a speed limit up to 50 km/h. Five locations were approved in Ontario: Townships of Pelee Island and Amherstburg and Municipalities of Huron-Kinloss, Lakeshore, and Chatham-Kent. This pilot program began in 2021 and will evaluate the practicality of permanently allowing golf carts on roads.
In terms of ATV usage on Highway 6, Hopkins advised that up until 2021 ATVs were banned on Highway 6 past Dyers Bay Road, however that changed and ATVs can now be ridden up to Tobermory on Highway 6. She encouraged riders to “check with provincial police regarding speeds and times of day when they can travel.”
