Register as a third-party advertiser

Third-party advertisers are individuals, corporations, or trade unions that register to spend money on advertisements to support or oppose a candidate or issue in the Municipal Elections. 

On this page:

1. Key dates for third-party advertisers
2. Do I need to register?
3. Check if you are eligible
4. How to register
5. Read the third-party advertisers' guide
6. Contact us

Key dates for third-party advertisers

Do I need to register?

You must register as a third-party advertiser if you plan to:

• pay for election-related advertisements (print, online, mailers, etc.)
• promote or oppose a candidate, group of candidates, or an election-related issue during the election advertising period

You do not need to register for advertisements that:

• are created or under the direction of a candidate
• do not cost money to post or broadcast
• are shared internally by:
  • an individual with their employees
  • a corporation with its shareholders, directors, members or employees
  • a trade union with its members or employees

Check if you are eligible

You can register as a third-party advertiser if you are:

• an individual who lives in Ontario
• a corporation that does business in Ontario
• a trade union with bargaining rights for employees in Ontario

You cannot register if you are:

• a candidate running for any municipal council or school board
• a federal or provincial political party
• the Government of Canada or Ontario, a municipality, or a local board

How to register

Registration runs from May 1 to October 23, 2026. 

You must register in person at Waterloo City Hall.

Register as an individual or representative of a corporation or trade union at:

Legislative Services
Waterloo City Hall
100 Regina Street South
Third floor

Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Bring the following when you register:

• a completed Notice of Registration — expected from the province in April 2026
• if registering as an individual – current photo identification showing your name, address and date of birth
• if registering as a corporation or trade union – proof that you are authorized to act on behalf of the corporation or trade union

Read the third-party advertisers' guide

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing produces a Third-Party Advertisers' Guide for each municipal election. 

The 2026 guide is expected in April 2026. It will be posted here when available.

Contact us

Contact us if you have questions about third-party advertising:

• email elections@waterloo.ca
• call 519-747-8777
• visit us at City Hall, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.