Information Sessions
Prospective candidates and third-party advertisers are invited to two information sessions to learn about the nomination and registration process:
- Monday, May 11, 2026, 6–8pm: Information Session 1, hosted by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
- Thursday, May 28, 2026, 6–8pm: Information Session 2, hosted by the City of Barrie
A third‑party advertisement is any ad that supports or opposes a candidate, or encourages people to vote “yes” or “no” on a ballot question. This includes any advertisement on broadcast media, radio, in newspapers, online, or in any other format. If an Ontario resident, corporation, or trade union plans to purchase these ads, they must register as a Third-Party Advertiser with the City Clerk before they start advertising.
Register as a Third-Party Advertiser
If an individual, corporation, or trade union intends to spend money between May 1 and October 26, 2026 (Election Day) on advertisements or other materials that support, promote, or oppose a candidate in the municipal election, they are considered a third-party advertiser and must register with the City Clerk.
A third-party advertiser’s registration must be certified by the City Clerk before they can accept any contributions or spend any money on advertising.
The registration period opens on May 1 at 8:30am and closes on October 23 at 4:30pm.
- Before registering, please review the Ontario third-party advertisers' guide
- To register as a third-party advertiser, submit the notice of registration form
Key Dates
| Date(s) | Activity |
|---|---|
| May 1, 2026 | Nomination period for candidates begins at 8:30am |
| May 1–December 31, 2026 | Campaign period (may be shortened or extended under certain circumstances) |
| May 1–October 23, 2026 | Registration period for third-party advertisers |
| August 21, 2026 | Nomination day (last day to file a nomination as a candidate, change office, or withdraw a nomination). Nomination forms may be filed between 9am and 2pm. |
| August 24, 2026 | Final day for the City Clerk to certify candidate nominations |
| October 16–October 26, 2026 | Advance voting period |
| October 22, 23, 24 and 26, 2026 | Voting Assistance Centres open (times and locations TBD) |
| October 26, 2026 | Final voting day |
| November 15, 2026 | 2026–2030 Barrie City Council term begins |