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:

• Filing as an individual registrant:
  • a completed Notice of Registration (Form 7)
  • acceptable identification showing your name, address with your Ontario residence and signature
• Filing as an agent on behalf of an individual registrant:
  • a completed Notice of Registration (Form 7)
  • a copy of the individual registrant's acceptable identification
  • acceptable identification showing your name and signature

Read the third-party advertisers' guide

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing produces a third-party advertisers' guide for each municipal election. The guide provides information on how to register as a third-party advertiser in Ontario municipal council and school board elections and the rules you must follow under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.

2026 Third-party advertisers' guide

Contact us

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

• email elections@waterloo.ca
• call 519-747-8704
• visit us at City Hall, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.