Third Party Advertising Information

Eligible individuals or entities as listed below must register with the Municipal Clerk prior to advertising during the restricted period. There is no cost to register. 

• An individual who is normally resident in Ontario
• A corporation that carries on business in Ontario
• A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario.

You cannot register as a third party advertiser if you are:

• A candidate whose nomination has been filed under section 33.
• A federal political party registered under the Canada Elections Act (Canada) or any federal constituency association or registered candidate at a federal election endorsed by that party.
• A provincial political party, constituency association, registered candidate or leadership contestant registered under the Election Finances Act.
• The Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or local board

The Municipal Elections Act, 1996 sets out a restricted period for third party advertising. During this time, only registered third party advertisers shall incur expenses for a third party advertisement that appears. This restricted period runs from May 1, 2026 to the close of voting on voting day - October 26, 2026 at 8:00 p.m.

To register as a third party advertiser, please book an appointment with the Clerk. Appointments can be booked by calling the Municipal office at 519-392-6623. You must register in person.

You need to bring:

• Form 7 Notice of Registration
• proof of identity as prescribed in O. Reg. 304/13, as amended
• the declaration of qualification, signed by the individual or by a representative of the corporation or trade union
• a resolution from the corporation or trade union that authorizes the person or agent to register on their behalf, if applicable 

The first possible day to register as a third party advertiser is May 1, 2026. The last day to register with the Clerk's office October 23, 2026 at the close of the business day.

Withdrawals

If a registered third party advertiser wishes to withdraw their registration, notification must be given in writing to the clerk, during the clerk's office hours by the close of the business day on October 23, 2026.

Rules

Mandatory information in third party advertisements:

No registered third party shall cause a third party advertisement to appear during the restricted period unless the advertisement contains the following information:

1. The name of the registered third party.
2. The municipality where the registered third party is registered.
3. A telephone number, mailing address or email address at which the registered third party may be contacted regarding the advertisement. 

Mandatory information for broadcaster, etc.

A registered third party shall not cause a third party advertisement to appear during the restricted period unless he, she or it provides the following information to the broadcaster or publisher in writing:

1. The name of the registered third party.
2. The name, business address and telephone number of the individual who deals with the broadcaster or publisher under the direction of the registered third party.
3. The municipality where the registered third party is registered.

Finance

Third Party Advertisers are subject to spending limits and financial reporting. It is the responsibility of the third party advertiser to know the rules and responsibilities. The spending limits will be provided by the Clerk upon registration. 

Third Party Advertisers' Guide

The 2026 Election Guides published by the Government of Ontario are now available. Valuable information can be found in the 2026 Municipal Election Guides by visiting https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-know-your-municipality.

Direct link to the Third Party Advertiser's Guide: https://www.ontario.ca/document/2026-third-party-advertisers-guide