Provincial Referendum Information, Signage and Advertising
A provincial referendum will take place in Alberta on October 19, 2026. Elections Alberta is responsible for administering the provincial referendum and for providing guidance on referendum advertising requirements.
The City does not regulate the message, viewpoint, sponsorship, or advertising content of referendum signs. Questions or complaints about referendum advertising content, sponsorship, authorization or registration requirements should be directed to Elections Alberta.
Recent amendments to provincial election legislation (Election Act, 2025, s.206.5) prohibit municipal councils from passing bylaws or resolutions respecting election signs or election advertisements.
Sign Placement
The Government of Alberta has issued general guidelines on the size, characteristics and placement of election signs. Persons placing referendum signs are encouraged to follow these guidelines and to place signs responsibly and safely.
The City has identified locations historically used for election signage that may provide reasonable options for persons placing referendum signs on public lands. Use of these locations does not mean the City approves, endorses or verifies the content of any sign
The City may review concerns related to the physical placement, safety or condition of a sign and may act where a sign poses a danger to persons or property, or where otherwise authorized to act under applicable legislation. Examples may include signs that block traffic or pedestrian sightlines, obstruct sidewalks, trails, roads, utilities, or City infrastructure, interfere with maintenance or emergency access, or are damaged or unsafe.
Signs placed on private property require the permission of the property owner. The City does not grant permission for referendum signs on private property, and signs must comply with applicable provincial legislation and guidelines.
Where to Direct Questions or Concerns
If your concern is about what a referendum sign says, who sponsored it, whether it is authorized, or whether it meets referendum advertising requirements, please contact Elections Alberta at info@elections.ab.ca.
If your concern is about the physical placement, condition or safety of a sign located on public property, please call 311 or 780-538-0300, or email info@cityofgp.com.
The next general municipal election will be held in 2029.
Section 147.22 of the Local Authorities Election Act requires an individual who intends to be nominated or has been nominated to run for election in a local jurisdiction as a candidate to give written notice to the local jurisdiction before accepting a campaign contribution or incurring a campaign expense.
Candidates who wish to submit a notice of intent for the 2029 campaign period may due so by submitting it to Legislative and Executive Services in person to City Hall (10205 98 Street), by mail (P.O. Bag 4000, Grande Prairie, AB, Canada, T8V 6V3) or by emailing elections@cityofgp.com.
All candidates who have submitted their notice of intent for the current campaign period will be posted, as per the legislation, on the List of Candidates page.
On or before March 1 of each year, a candidate who submitted a Notice of Intent in the previous year must file with the Returning Officer a Disclosure Statement (Form 26). Disclosure Statements can be found on Finances & Contributions page of the website or by following the link below.
