Territory Without Municipal Organization Elections 2026

Did you know that the Kenora District Services Board is responsible for administering its local Territory Without Municipal Organization (TWOMO) Elections?

Elections in TWOMOs are held the same day that municipal elections are held. This year’s municipal and TWOMO elections will be held on October 26, 2026.

 

Notice of Election

TO: All residents and property owners of Lac Seul Territory Without Municipal Organization Within the District of Kenora

The Kenora District Service Board will hold an election to select a member to represent the Lac Seul Territory Without Municipal Organization, as defined below, to the District Social Services Administration Board.

Area 12:  Lac Seul Electoral Area which takes in all the unincorporated area easterly from the western intersection of the 11th baseline and the Manitoba border to the intersection of the Thunder Bay District; thence, southerly along the Thunder Bay District western boundary until the intersection of a line of latitude drawn across the northern border of Grand Trunk Block 10; thence, westerly along the line of latitude drawn across the northern border of Grand Trunk Block 10 to the Manitoba border; thence, northerly along the Manitoba border to the intersection of the 11th baseline.

One (1) member shall be elected to represent Area 12.

Voting will take place using a Vote-By-Mail system.

Voting kits will be mailed out on September 12, 2026.

Electors can register to vote until September 11, 2026 through the KDSB’s elections email (elections@kdsb.on.ca) by providing proof of identity and qualifying address.

After September 11, all persons who are entitled to vote but who do not receive a Ballot are required to register in person with KDSB Returning Officer, Corrine Owen, at 20 King Street, Dryden, Ontario during regular business hours. Proof of eligibility will be required.

Proxy Voting is NOT permitted.

Completed Ballets can be returned:

  • Via Postage Paid Return envelop included with the Vote-By-Mail kit PRIOR to October 14, 2026
  • Dropped off in person at the Red Lake office (14 Discovery Road – Unit 3) weekdays between the hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (closed from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm) PRIOR to October 21, 2026
  • Dropped off in person at the main administration office (20 King Street in Dryden) weekdays between the hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm up to and including Monday, October 26.
NAME OF CANDIDATE QUALIFYING ADDRESS
Mark Sobchuk KM 4 Snake Falls Road
Roderick Bergman Plan M438 Lot 2 Wabaskang Lake

AUGUST 24, 2026

Corrine Owen
Returning Officer
Kenora District Services Board

TO: All residents and property owners of Oxdrift Territory Without Municipal Organization Within the District of Kenora

The Kenora District Service Board will hold an election to select a member to represent the Oxdrift Territory Without Municipal Organization, as defined below, to the District Social Services Administration Board.

Area 13: Oxdrift Electoral Area which takes in all the unincorporated area southerly from the intersection of the southern border of the Lac Seul Area and the western boundary of the Thunder Bay District to the northern boundary of the Rainy River District; thence, westerly along the northern boundary of the Rainy River District to the intersection of a line of longitude drawn to travel along the western boundary of Bridges Township; thence, northerly along the line of longitude drawn to travel along the western boundary of Bridges Township to the intersection of the southern boundary of the Lac Seul Area; thence, easterly along the southern boundary of the Lac Seul Area to the intersection of the western boundary of the Thunder Bay District.

One (1) member shall be elected to represent Area 13.

Voting will take place using a Vote-By-Mail system.

Voting kits will be mailed out on September 12, 2026.

Electors can register to vote until September 11, 2026 through the KDSB’s elections email (elections@kdsb.on.ca) by providing proof of identity and qualifying address.

After September 11, all persons who are entitled to vote but who do not receive a Ballot are required to register in person with KDSB Returning Officer, Corrine Owen, at 20 King Street, Dryden, Ontario during regular business hours. Proof of eligibility will be required.

Proxy Voting is NOT permitted.

Completed Ballets can be returned:

  • Via Postage Paid Return envelop included with the Vote-By-Mail kit PRIOR to October 14, 2026
  • Dropped off in person at the Main administration office (20 King Street in Dryden) weekdays between the hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm up to and including Monday, October 26.
NAME OF CANDIDATE QUALIFYING ADDRESS
Ed Murray 1262 Johnston Road
Laurel Huffman 46 Birchdale Road

AUGUST 24, 2026

Corrine Owen
Returning Officer
Kenora District Services Board

Notice of Acclamation

The Kenora District Service Board has acclaimed a member to represent the Lake of the Woods North Territory Without Municipal Organization, as defined below, to the District Social Services Administration Board.

Area 14: Lake of the Woods North Area which takes in all the unincorporated area easterly from the Manitoba border along the southern boundary of the Lac Seul Area to the intersection of the western boundary of the Oxdrift Area; thence, southerly along the western boundary of the Oxdrift Area to the intersection of the north side of Highway 17; thence, westerly along the north side of Highway 17 to the intersection of the Manitoba border; thence, northerly along the Manitoba border to the intersection of the southern boundary of the Lac Seul Area.

NAME OF ACCLAIMED CANDIDATE 
Timothy Davidson 

The Kenora District Service Board has acclaimed a member to represent the Lake of the Woods South Territory Without Municipal Organization, as defined below, to the District Social Services Administration Board.

Area 15: Lake of the Woods South Area which takes in all the unincorporated area easterly from the Manitoba border along the south side of Highway 17 to the intersection of the western boundary of the Oxdrift Area; thence, southerly along the western boundary of the Oxdrift Area to the intersection of the northern boundary of the Rainy River District; thence, westerly along the northern boundary of the Rainy River District to the Manitoba border; thence, northerly along the Manitoba border to the intersection of the south side of Highway 17, excluding areas annexed to The Corporation of the Township of Lake of the Woods.

NAME OF ACCLAIMED CANDIDATE
Lucille Nabb

The Kenora District has four (4) spaces that represent the TWOMO area:

  • 1 member represents area 12: Lac Seul Electoral Area
  • 1 member represents area 13: Oxdrift Electoral Area
  • 1 member represents area 14: Lake of the Woods North Electoral Area
  • 1 member represents area 15: Lake of the Woods South Electoral Area

TWOMO includes any area in the District of Kenora that is in between incorporated municipalities and that is not a First Nations community.

Incorporated municipalities (not part of TWOMO) are represented in this map with blue markers.

The TWOMO areas represented within the Kenora District are marked by colour shading for each of the four TWOMO unincorporated areas.

Meet Your Candidates

Photo of Mark Sobchuk

Mark Sobchuk

Tell us about yourself:

My name is Mark Sobchuk and I am seeking my 4th term on Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) as the representative of residents of the Lac Seul territory which is part of territories without municipal organization (TWOMO). This territory encompasses the Red Lake, Ear Falls, Perrault Falls and Sioux Lookout areas.

I have always felt a great attachment to this beautiful part of northwestern Ontario. As a result, my wife and I moved here to live full-time after our retirement. We removed our cabin, which we had owned since 2001, and constructed a full-time residence. We have lived full time in the Lac Seul territory since 2012.

My wife Bonnie and I have been married for 46 years and we have raised three children. All have successful careers and are proud Canadians.

I enjoy outdoor activities and especially hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. I have held volunteer positions on the Chukuni Waste Disposal Site Association and resource management councils.

Why are you running in the 2026 TWOMO election:

As a full-time resident of the Lac Seul territory, I understand the challenges that families living in TWOMO areas face and have brought this perspective to the KDSB. I would like to continue my work with the Kenora District Services Board to help these families face the economic and social challenges posed by the uncertain times that are before us.

As a member of the board of directors for the Kenora District Services Board for the last 12 years I have held the positions of vice-chairman of the board and chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee.

I am very proud of the work that KDSB has done. Working cooperatively with board members from other territories without municipal organization and municipalities has resulted in an organization that effectively delivers child care, housing, paramedic and social services to residents of the Kenora District.

Uncertain economic and social conditions mean that there is still much work to be done. I am asking for your support to continue this work.

 

Roderick Bergman

Biography and photo coming soon.

Photo of Ed Murray

Ed Murray

I am running for a 2nd term on the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) as the representative for the resident of the Oxdrift electoral area, part of the Territories Without Municipal Organization (TWOMO).

I’ve lived in Wainwright Township most of my life. Now semi retired on my farm with hobbies such as fishing, hunting, wood working. I have held volunteer positions KDSB 2019 – 2022. Sitting on Finance and Audit Committee, and Wainright Road Board. Currently Vice President of District of Kenora Unincorporated Areas Ratepayers Association (DoKURA), Chairman of Oxdrift Services Board.

Being a full time resident of the Oxdrift area, I like to represent the Oxdrift area with the challenges that the families face and the TWOMO face in the uncertain times we are in.

I am asking for your support again to continue this important work. Thank you.

 

Photo of Laurie Huffman

Laurel Huffman

Tell us about yourself:

Hello, my name is Laurie Huffman and I am seeking re-election to represent the Oxdrift Unincorporated Territory as part of the Territory Without Municipal Organization.

I grew up in and have lived most of my life in Northwestern Ontario. Like many of our youth, I left for a while to explore Canada, only to learn that this is my home.

I have been involved in different community organizations through the years. I have also spent a good many years involved in local politics through different positions: I was part of Machin Council when we owned a business in the Municipality, I am also the Chair of our Local Roads Board, and I am involved with the Waldhof Recreation Committee.

Why are you running in the 2026 TWOMO election:

I understand how critical the communities are in Northwestern Ontario, and I am deeply committed to them. Presently I am the TWOMO representative for the Oxdrift Territory sitting on the KDSB board and I would like you to consider voting for me again to represent the Unincorporated Area in our territory. Being on the KDSB Board, we as board members make the decisions on how to budget to benefit all of the citizens in the Kenora District. I would like to continue with what has been accomplished in the past 4 years and what is planned for the future.

Photo of Timothy Davidson

Timothy Davidson 

Tell us about yourself:

I have lived in Kenora since 1975, and moved to the Redditt area in 2009 when I got married my wife Leanne.

We live on Kenora Lake with my two dogs.

I have worked at the local radio station in Kenora (CJRL) fulltime since 1988 and have been the news director since 1995.

Why are you running in the 2026 TWOMO election:

I have always been interested in the workings of the KDSB. I had a good working relationship with former CEO Henry Wall and interviewed him and met with him several times.

Over the years, the KDSB has grown, as has it’s budget, and I would like to make sure that money is being spent well.

Photo of Lucille Nabb

Lucille Nabb

Tell us about yourself:

I have recently retired this summer from my position of Chief Operating Officer at the Dryden Regional Health Centre after 32 years of service with the organization. During my career I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of leadership roles, culminating in six years as an executive leader. This experience provided me with a strong understanding of healthcare and community services as well as extensive experience in strategic planning, collaboration, decision making and board governance.

I have lived my entire life in Northwestern Ontario and I understand the strengths of our communities as well as some of the unique challenges of living in a rural and northern region. I was raised on a farm north of Emo, then moved to Dryden to pursue my career as a physiotherapist. I have now lived on Longbow Lake for the past 12 years and have a strong connection to this area with my husband, step children and grandchildren.

Why are you running in the 2026 TWOMO election:

After retiring this year, I felt this was an opportunity to continue giving back in a different capacity . I would like to use the experience I have gained throughout my career to make a positive contribution to the Kenora District. I am particularly passionate about mental health, access to housing, transportation and social services. Throughout my career, I have seen how closely these issues are connected and how gaps in one area can have a significant affect on individuals and the broader communities. My experience leading mental health and primary care programs has given my a practical understanding of these challenges. I have a strong understanding of board governance, accountability, collaboration and thoughtful decision making. I value our rural way of life and understand the importance of ensuring that the voices and needs of smaller communities are considered in decisions about services. I would be honoured to bring my experience, rural perspective, and lifelong commitment to Northwestern Ontario to the KDSB Board of Directors.

Voter Information

Access

The Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) uses a Vote-by-Mail process as approved through By-Law. Voting by mail offers eligible voters a convenient, flexible, and secure method to submit their vote prior to Election Day. To increase accessibility, the KDSB provides access to on-site Ballot drop boxes at our office locations in addition to self-addressed, stamped return envelopes.

 

For The Vote

DSSABs must make a concerted effort to communicate to all residents the election date, locations of ballot drop boxes and relevant processes. Prior to voting day, the Returning Officer shall prepare and certify the Voters’ List for use in each voting place.

Every person who is present at the counting of the votes shall help to maintain the secrecy of the voting. No person shall interfere with an elector, obtain or attempt to obtain information about how an elector intends to vote or has voted, or communicate any information obtained about how an elector intends to vote or has voted.

 

Voting Procedures

Voter kits will be mailed to persons whose name appears on the Voter’s List. The elector’s details will be updated on the Voter’s List to show that the elector has been provided a ballot.

Between August 13 and September 11, 2026, electors will need to register through the KDSB’s elections email (elections@kdsb.on.ca) to receive a Voters Kit by mail. After September 11, 2026, electors can obtain a kit in person from the KDSB Returning Office at 20 King Street, Dryden, Ontario. Proof of eligibility will be required to add your name to the list.

An elector must be:

  • a Canadian citizen;
  • at least 18 years old; and
  • residing in the Territory Without Municipal Organization or an owner or tenant of land there, or the spouse of such owner or tenant.

Regulations made under the District Social Services Administration Boards Act state that Board members representing a territory without municipal organization are to be selected by the residents of that territory.

According to information from Statistics Canada from the 2016 census, there are approximately 33,011 residents in TWOMOs who are represented by DSSABs. Identification to establish place of residence is only required if the elector is not already on the voters’ list.

  1. An Ontario driver’s license.
  2. An Ontario Health Card (photo card).
  3. An Ontario photo card.
  4. An Ontario motor vehicle permit (vehicle portion).
  5. A cancelled personalized cheque.
  6. A mortgage statement, lease or rental agreement relating to property in Ontario.
  7. An insurance policy or insurance statement.
  8. A loan or financial agreement with a financial institution.
  9. A document issued or certified by a court in Ontario.
  10. Any other document from the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government.
  11. Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada).
  12. An income tax assessment notice.
  13. A Child Tax Benefit Statement.
  14. A Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E.
  15. A Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS).
  16. A Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P).
  17. A Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions.
  18. A Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Works.
  19. A Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program.
  20. A Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007.
  21. A property tax assessment.
  22. A credit card statement, bank account statement, RRSP, RRIF, RHOSP or T5 statement.
  23. A CNIB Card or a card from another registered charitable organization which provides services to persons with disabilities.
  24. A hospital card or record.
  25. A document showing campus residence issued by the office or officials responsible for student residence at a post-secondary institution.
  26. A utility bill for hydro, water, gas, telephone or cable TV or a bill from a public utilities commission.
  27. A cheque stub, T4 statement or pay receipt issued by an employer.
  28. A transcript or report card from a post-secondary school.
  29. A document showing residence in a long-term care home under the Long-term Care Homes Act, 2007, issued by the Administrator for the home.
  1. An Ontario driver’s license.
  2. An Ontario Health Card.
  3. An Ontario motor vehicle permit (plate portion).
  4. A Canadian passport.
  5. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship.
  6. A Certificate of Indian Status.
  7. A Veterans Affairs Canada Health Card.
  8. A social insurance number card.
  9. An Old Age Security Card.
  10. A credit card.
  11. A debit card.
  12. An employee identification card.
  13. A student identification card issued by a post-secondary institution.
  14. A union identification card or a professional license card.
  15. A cancelled personalized cheque.
  16. A mortgage, lease or rental agreement for property in Ontario.
  17. An insurance policy.
  18. A document issued or certified by a court in Ontario.
  19. Any other document from the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government.
  20. Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada).

 

If an elector does not have acceptable identification, they may make a statutory declaration that they are eligible to vote to receive a ballot.