Third Party Advertising in Municipal Elections

What is a Registered Third Party?

A registered third party is an individual, corporation, or trade union that registers with the Township Clerk to run advertisements supporting, opposing, or promoting candidates in a municipal or school board election.

What is a Third-Party Advertisement?

A third-party advertisement is any ad — whether in print, online, broadcast, or other media — created to support, oppose, or promote a candidate in a municipal or school board election.

What Must Appear on a Third-Party Advertisement?

Every third-party ad must clearly show:

The name of the registered third party
The municipality where they are registered
A phone number, mailing address, or email where they can be contacted

Information Required by Broadcasters or Publishers

Before an ad can appear, the registered third party must provide, in writing:

Their name
The name, business address, and phone number of the contact person dealing with the broadcaster or publisher
The municipality where the third party is registered

Note: Broadcasters and publishers cannot run your ad if this information is missing.

If the Township finds that the rules for third-party advertising are broken, it may require the ad to be removed or stopped.

Who Can Register as a Third Party?

You can register if you are:

An individual who normally lives in Ontario
A corporation carrying on business in Ontario
A trade union with bargaining rights for Ontario employees

You cannot register if you are:

A candidate in the election
A federal or provincial political party, candidate, or association
The Crown, a municipality, or a local board

It is your responsibility to check if you are eligible. The Township Clerk cannot provide legal advice. Review the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, and seek legal guidance if needed.

How to Register

Registration opens: Friday, May 1, 2026
Deadline to register: Friday, October 23, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

Register in person at:
Municipal Complex
937907 Marsh Bay Road
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

You must file a Notice of Registration with the Clerk, including a signed declaration confirming your eligibility. Once certified, you may begin your campaign activities.

Campaigning and Reporting

The campaign period ends Thursday, December 31, 2026
You may request an extension if needed to cover campaign deficits
You must submit a complete financial statement after the campaign by the required deadline

Key Dates – 2026 Municipal & School Board Elections

May 1, 2026 – Third-party registrations open
October 16–26, 2026 – Electronic voting (24/7)
October 17 & 24, 2026 – Advance paper ballot voting (10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
October 23, 2026 – Last day to register as a third party (4:30 p.m.)
October 26, 2026 – Election Day (Voting 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; electronic voting until 8 p.m.)
After Election Day – Official results declared
December 31, 2026 – Campaign period ends; deadline to request extension
March 30, 2027 – Deadline to file financial statement