Resources

We All Win When There Are More Diverse Voices At Council!

The Town of Cobourg is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as a part of its core values and understands that the effective creation and dissemination of goods, information, and services must take place in a government community which recognizes the dignity and value of each and every one of our Residents and Visitors.

We are committed to having the right policies, procedures, and governance structures in place to ensure that the Town provides our unique and diverse community with inclusive and equitable public services, information, and programs.

When we have a diversity of genders and identities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, ages, races and abilities at municipal council, we can create more inclusive and sustainable communities.

To encourage more diversity in the upcoming 2026 municipal election, AMO has created many resources and webinars to share more about municipal government as well as supports available for those interested in running for municipal office.

Workshops for Potential Candidates

Attend one of these free workshops run by the Associate of Municipalities of Ontario.

Gain insights and strategies to help get your name on the ballot.

  • June 09, 2026 - 6:30 PM (EDT) 

    Virtual

Focused specifically on underrepresented candidates, this 90-minute workshop provides useful insights and strategies to support you in getting your name on the ballot.

Facilitated by former municipal Councillors Steve Anderson and Jasvinder Sandhu, you will be taken through:

  • What to expect running as an underrepresented candidate 
  • Critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
  • Understand what it takes to become a candidate
  • Identifying your target audience,
  • Developing effective messaging and branding, 
  • Utilizing community engagement practices to enhance visibility and support.
  • And more!

Learn more and register for the Running for Municipal Office workshop.

Join AMO’s new online workshop series for first-time aspiring candidates— offered at no charge for participants.

As Ontario heads toward the 2026 municipal elections, aspiring candidates are being tested like never before. From navigating divisive politics and social media toxicity to maintaining personal wellbeing under constant public scrutiny, the demands of leadership can feel overwhelming.

Developed in partnership with Nominee, Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities is designed to equip you with the tools, resilience, and confidence to meet these challenges head-on — and to rediscover the purpose that brought you to public service in the first place.

Full workshop details.

Workshop dates: each workshop runs 6:30 - 8:00pm.

Stream 2: For community members considering a run for municipal office in 2026—first-time candidates who want to build confidence before launching a campaign. Civic-minded leaders who want to explore whether elected office is right for them.

  • Stream 2: First-time candidates
    • June 16, 2026 - Session 1
    • June 23, 2026 - Session 2
    • June 25, 2026 - Session 3
    • June 30, 2026 - Session 4

Learn more and register for the Healthy Leadership Series.

What to expect when running for office as a young person.

If you are a youth interested in running for municipal council in October 2026, we have a workshop for you! The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of workshops for young people thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections.

These sessions will provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and confidence around how to become a candidate and running a campaign.


Facilitated by three current municipal leaders, Natasha Salonen-Mayor of the Township of Wilmont, Cam Wales-Councillor City of Brockville and Aidan Kallioinen-Councillor Town of Espanola

All sessions run from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

  • June 2, 2026

FREE Attendance.

Learn more and register for the Youth Information Sessions.

You will gain firsthand insight into:

  • Why increasing Indigenous representation matters in Municipal governance
  • Critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
  • Understand what it takes to become a candidate
  • Strategies to build confidence to lead with cultural integrity
  • And more!

All sessions run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Dates:

  • June 3

Learn more and register for the Urban Indigenous Peoples Considering Running for Municipal Office

Contact Us

Town of Cobourg
55 King Street West
Cobourg, ON  K9A 2M2

Phone: 905-372-4301
Toll Free: 1-888-972-4301