Third Party Advertising

A third party advertiser is a person, business, or trade union that is not a candidate but wants to spend money to support or oppose a candidate or a question on the ballot.

Third Party Advertisers

Key Dates for Third Party Advertiser

Registration for third-party advertisers for the 2026 Municipal Elections will open at 8:30am on Friday, May 1, 2026, and close at 4:00pm on Friday, October 23, 2026. 

Understanding Third Party Advertising

Registration Package and Forms

The third party advertiser must be registered at the time of the advertisement.

The ad must contain the following:

  • Name of registered third party;
  • The municipality where the third party is registered;
  • A telephone number, mailing address or email address to contact the third party.

A registered third party is not permitted to allow a third party advertisement to appear during the restricted period unless the broadcaster/publisher has been provided the following in writing:

  • Name of the registered third party;
  • Municipality where third party is registered; and
  • Name, business address and telephone number of individual under direction of registered third party.

The broadcaster/publisher retains records with respect to the above, copy of the advertisement/means of reproducing it and the cost. They must retain the record for four years after the date of the appearance of the advertisement and permit inspection during normal business hours.

Please review the 2022 Guide for Third Party Advertisers (2026 Guide will be provided when available) produced by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs for more information.

Rules, Contributions, and Expenses

No individual, corporation or trade union is permitted to incur expenses for a third party advertisement that appears during the restricted period unless they are a registered third party. Restricted period is the date registration is filed and ends at the close of voting on Voting Day.

Contributions by corporations and trade unions to candidates are banned, however, corporations and trade unions can contribute to third party advertisers. Money, goods and services are considered contributions.

The following are permitted to contribute:

  • 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; and
  • The registered third party and in the case of an individual, his or her spouse (subject to s.88.12(5) of the Municipal Elections Act,1996).

  • Cannot be made or accepted unless registered as a third party;
  • Maximum contribution from a single contributor is $1,200 to a registered third party and $5,000 to two or more registered third parties in a municipality.

These contribution limits do not apply to the registered third party if the contribution is made by themselves and the same for an individual third party advertiser, along with his or her spouse.

 

  • Subject to maximum expense limit (prescribed formula based on the number of electors entitled to vote);
  • Required to record expenses and file a financial statement.

A fundraising function relating to third party advertisements that are to appear during an election cannot be held for an individual, corporation or trade union that is not registered as a third party in a municipality and cannot be held outside the campaign period. 

List of Registered Third Party Advertisers (2026)

A list of registered third party advertisers will appear here once registrations are filed and certified

 

Name Mailing Address Phone Email Date Registered 
         
         

Note: Information is posted only with consent under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.