Third Party Advertiser Information

A Third Party Advertiser is:

• Any person, corporation or trade union intending to spend money between May 1, 2026 and October 26, 2026 on advertisements or other materials that support, promote or oppose a Candidate in the 2026 Municipal election

A Third Party Advertisement is:

• An advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic or another medium that has the purpose of promoting, supporting or opposing a Candidate in the Election, or a "yes" or "no" answer to a question on the ballot

Third Party Advertisers must register with the Town Clerk—and their registration must be certified—before they can accept any contributions or spend any money on advertising.

What is not Third Party Advertising:

• Advertisements by or under the direction of a Candidate
• Issues-based advertising during the election period
• Advertising that does not cost money to post or broadcast, such as comments made on social media
• Messages distributed by:
  • An individual to their employees
  • A corporation to its shareholders, directors, members or employees
  • A trade union to its members or employees

The Third Party Advertisers Guide from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs provides information about voting in Municipal and School Board Elections.

To become a Third Party Advertiser, you must file a completed Notice of Registration in person at Town Hall with the Clerks department, as original signatures are required. Appointments can be scheduled by contacting Town Hall by phone at (905)-945-9634. 

Documents Required at the Time of Filing

Filing as an individual registrant:

• Completed Notice of Registration form
• Acceptable identification showing your name, address with your Ontario residence and signature

Filing as an agent on behalf of an individual registrant:

• Completed Notice of Registration form
• A copy of the individual registrant’s acceptable identification
• Acceptable identification showing your name and signature

Filing as the official representative of a corporation or trade union registrant:

• Completed Notice of Registration form
• A board resolution from the corporation or trade union authorizing you to act on behalf of the corporation or trade union
• Acceptable identification with your name and signature

You are eligible to register as a Third Party Advertiser if you are: 

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

You are not eligible to register as a Third Party Advertiser if you are:

• A Candidate who has filed a nomination to run in the 2026 Municipal Election
• A Federal political party registered under the Canada Elections Act 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
• A group, association or business that is not a corporation
• A registered Third Party Advertiser who failed to file the necessary financial statement or exceeded any of the spending limits in the last Municipal Election or By-election

As a registered Third Party Advertiser, you must follow campaign finance rules set out in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. You will also be required to file a financial statement after the Election that reflects the money you raised and spent on your campaign.

Some important finance rules to keep in mind include:

• You cannot raise or spend any money on your Campaign until you file a Notice of Registration and it has been certified by the Town Clerk.
• You must open a bank account for your campaign for the money you spend and contributions you accept.
• You can accept money from individuals, corporations, and trade unions. The maximum amount that any of these can contribute to your campaign is $1,200.
• You must collect the full name and address of everyone who contributes money or goods/services to your Campaign.
• You must follow spending and contribution limits provided to you when your registration is certified.