Third Party Advertisers

Third party advertising can include television, print or radio ads, as well as other tools such as brochures or signs. The content of these advertisements can support, promote or oppose a candidate in the municipal election, or promote or oppose a 'yes' or 'no' answer to a referendum question.

Third party advertising doesn’t include:

• Advertisements by or under the direction of a candidate
• Issues-based advertising during the municipal election period (with the exception of advertising that has the purpose of promoting, supporting or opposing a "yes" or "no" answer to a referendum question)
• 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.

Who can be a third-party advertiser?

The following are eligible to register as a third-party advertiser:

• A resident of Ontario
• A corporation that carries on business in Ontario
• A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario.

Who cannot be a third-party advertiser?

The following are not eligible to register as a third-party advertiser:

• A candidate whose nomination has been filed
• 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 a local board

How to register

Third party advertisers must register with the municipality where they want to advertise.  If they want to advertise in more than one municipality, they must register in each municipality.  Registration allows a third-party advertiser to promote or oppose any candidate that the electors in the municipality can vote for (Mayor, Councillors or school board trustees) or to support or oppose a referendum question.

Third party advertisers can register between May 1, 2026 and 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026.

To register, an individual, corporation or trade union must, in person or by an agent, file a Notice of Registration (Form 7) with the City Clerk. The form must have an original signature. An agent filing the form as a representative of a corporation or trade union should have proof that they are authorized to act on behalf of the corporation or trade union, such as a letter signed by a board of directors.

Booking an appointment to register as a third-party advertiser can be done by emailing elections@peterborough.ca

Rules for third-party advertising

Every ad, sign, or material from a third-party advertiser needs to include:

• Their official name
• The city where they're registered
• A phone number, mailing address, or email where people can reach them

If your ads will run on the radio or in the newspaper, they must include the details listed above. You also have to give the broadcaster or publisher:

• The name of your registered third party
• The name, business address, and phone number of the person working with the broadcaster or publisher for your group
• The city where you're registered

Registered third-party campaign signs must be taken down within 3 days after the election (Thursday, October 29, 2026)

Advertising on Voting Day

On voting day, including advance voting days, there can be no campaign material located at a voting location, including its property in its entirety.  This includes brochures, buttons, or signs on the premises.

Advertising campaign period

Third party advertisers can only accept contributions or spend money during their campaign period. They also need a separate bank account for the campaign. The campaign period starts when you register and ends on Dec. 31, 2026.

If your campaign spent more than it brought in, you can request an extension to raise more funds.

Campaign donations and expenses

There are specific rules for third party advertisers regarding donations and spending. 

Once third-party advertisers file their nomination paperwork, the City of Peterborough's election team will let them know the most they can donate to their own campaign and the most they can receive from eligible donors.

Third party advertisers will also receive information and forms regarding financial statements that must be filed at the end of the campaign period. 

You can find more about campaign finances in the Municipal Elections Act and the 2026 Third Party Advertisers' Guide.