Information for Third Party Advertisers

A Third Party Advertiser means any person or entity, an individual, corporation, or trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario, who incurs expenses with respect to promoting, supporting, or opposing a candidate or a yes or no answer to a question on the ballot.

A Third Party Advertiser must be registered with the Clerk of the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury. Registration will be accepted by the Clerk/Returning Officer or designate from May 1, 2026 to October 23, 2026 at the Administration Centre, located at 100 Dissette Street, Units 7 & 8 (see below for more information about registration).​

A Third Party Advertisement is a message in any medium, (i.e., signs, billboard, newspaper, radio, etc.) promoting or opposing a candidate, or a 'yes' or 'no' answer to a question on the ballot.

Advertising that does not cost money to post or broadcast, such as comments made on social media or email, is not considered a Third Party Advertisement.

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

• An individual who is a resident in Ontario; 
• A corporation carrying on business in Ontario; or 
• 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;
• 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; or
• The Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or local board.

When and how do I register?

Registration must be done in person or by agent at the Administration Centre, located on 100 Dissette Street, Units 7 & 8. Registration is open from May 1, 2026 to October 23, 2026, during regular office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

All Third Party Advertisers must register with the municipality where they want to advertise. If you want to advertise in more than one municipality, you must register with each municipality.

A list of Registered Third Party Advertisers will be made available on the Town website.

Book an Appointment to Register as a Third Party Advertiser

Is there a fee for registration?

There is no registration fee for Third Party Advertisers.

What forms and documents do I need to file?

A third party candidate filing their own registration may fill out the forms listed below either in advance or at the Clerk's office. 

If an agent is filing on the registrant's  behalf, the registrant must fill out the forms in advance and sign where indicated, with the exception of the Declaration of Qualifications, which must be signed by the agent in front of the Clerk or designated Town staff member (see below).

Notice of Registration

• This form provides detailed information about the advertiser and identifies the representative authorized to make the agreement. The bottom section (beginning with "Date Filed") will be filled out at the Clerk's office.

Declaration of Qualifications - Third Party Advertiser (choose correct type):

• A - Individual
• B - Corporation
• C - Trade Union

The applicable form MUST be filled out at the Town offices and witnessed by a member of the Clerk's office. If someone other than the advertiser's official representative has been designated to file the registration on their behalf, the agent will be expected to sign the paper in their stead.

Consent to Release Personal Information

• This form lets us know how you wish to be contacted by the Clerk's office and by electors. At minimum, third part advertisers must be willing to have the names of the registrant and their representative made public.

Authorization for Agent to File Registration

• ​If an advertiser wishes to designate someone other than their official representative to file their nomination papers, that agent must appear at the Clerk's office with all of the forms indicated above PLUS the Authorization for Agent to File Registration.​

It is the responsibility of the Third Party Advertiser to adhere to provisions of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, and the procedures required by the Clerk/Returning Officer, as applicable. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs has prepared the Guide for Third Party Advertisers Ontario Municipal Council and School Board Elections. 

When can a Registered Third Party begin advertising?

Advertising may begin once your registration has been filed, and the last day is Friday, October 23, 2026. 

Are there other rules for using election signs?

Election signs within Town limits are regulated by the Town's Election Signs By-law. Please refer to this By-law for information regarding where election signs may and may not be placed. 

What mandatory information is required on the advertisements?

All Third Party Advertisements shall contain the following information:

• the name of the Registered Third Party Advertiser;
• the municipality where the Third Party Advertiser is registered; and 
• a telephone number, mailing address or email address at which the Registered Third Party Advertiser may be contacted regarding the advertisement.

What is the mandatory information for a broadcaster?

All Registered Third Party Advertisers must provide the following information to the broadcasters or publisher in writing before the Third Party Advertisements appears: 

• the name of the Registered Third Party Advertiser;
• the municipality where the Third Party Advertiser is registered; and
• a telephone number, mailing address or email address at which the Registered Third Party Advertiser may be contacted regarding the advertisement.

Are there campaign finance rules that apply to Third Party Advertisers?

Yes, campaign finance rules for Third Party Advertisers are similar to the rules for candidates. For example: 

• Third Party Advertisers have spending limits and there are contribution limits for those wishing to contribute to a Third Party Advertiser.
• Corporations and trade unions are permitted to make contributions to a Registered Third Party Advertisers, but are not permitted to make contributions to candidates. 
• The maximum contribution from a single contributor is $1,200 to a Third Party Advertiser and $5,000 to two or more Third Party Advertisers in a municipality.
• A Registered Third Party must file with the Clerk, a financial statement and auditor's report, in the prescribed form, reflecting the Registered Third Party's campaign finances in relation to the advertisements. 

What are the expense limits for third parties?

A third party can only accept contributions once they have registered as a Third Party Advertiser, and cannot accept contributions after the advertising campaign period has finished. The expense limit for Third Parties Advertisers is calculated by the Clerk in accordance with Section 88.21(15) of the Municipal Act and provided to the Third Party Advertiser at the time of registration 

When may contributions be made to third parties?

Contributions to Registered Third Party Advertisers for a municipal election may only be made during the campaign period, beginning after the Third Party Advertiser has registered until December 31, 2026. 

Are there any requirements for the broadcaster?

Broadcasters and publishers must maintain records of:

• the information collected in writing
• a copy of the advertisement (or the means of reproducing the advertisement for inspection)
• a statement of the charge made for its appearance

These records must be kept for 4 years after the date the advertisement appears, and public must be permitted to inspect the records.

Third Party Advertising is restricted from the start of the campaign period on May 1 until the close of voting on October 26, 2026. Broadcasters and publishers are not required to collect information or retain records for advertisements that appear before May 1, 2026.

Where can I find more information?

To find more information regarding registering as a Third Party Advertisers for the 2026 Municipal Council and School Board Elections, please contact the Clerk's Office, reference 2026 Third Party Advertisers' Guide or visit www.mah.gov.on.ca. ​

Registration for third party advertisers may be filed in person 8:30 am - 4:30 pm from May 1, 2026 to October 23, 2026.

Restricted Period for Third Party Advertisements.

Voting will commence on October 16, 2026 at 10:00 am and continue through to October 26, 2026 at 8:00 pm. During this time voters can vote online, by phone, or in person by visiting a voter help centre.

Polls will close at 8pm on Voting Day. Voters can vote online, by phone, or in person by visiting a voter help centre.

Election campaign period ends.

By 2:00pm candidates and registered third-party advertisers must file their initial financial statements and auditor report.