Ban on Doorstep Flyers

Summary#

Bill 136 would ban leaving most flyers and other promotional materials in a visible spot at a private home. It makes a few exceptions for materials prepared by government and elected officials’ constituency offices, and for certain political materials during an election if no mailbox is present. It appears intended to curb unsolicited door‑to‑door flyer delivery at homes.

Key changes:

• Bans leaving “promotional materials” (flyers, brochures, leaflets, catalogues, etc. used to promote a product, service, event, or private/political organization) in a visible place at a private dwelling.
• Allows an exception for materials prepared by:
  • a constituency office of a municipal councillor, an Ontario MPP, or a federal MP;
  • a candidate or registered party during an election period, but only if the home has no mailbox;
  • the Government of Ontario or the Government of Canada.
• Canada Post employees are not covered by the ban while delivering mail, so mailed items can still be delivered.
• Takes effect on Royal Assent (no delay is specified).
• The bill does not state penalties, fines, or how it will be enforced.

What it means for you#

• Residents

  • You would likely see far fewer door‑dropped flyers on your porch, door handle, or driveway.
  • You could still receive promotional mail that comes through Canada Post.
  • You may still see materials from government or constituency offices left in visible locations.
  • During elections, you might receive political materials left at your home only if there is no mailbox.

• Local businesses, charities, and community groups

  • You would no longer be allowed to leave door hangers, flyers, or similar materials in visible spots at private homes.
  • You could still reach homes by using the mail, digital ads, or other channels not covered by the bill.
  • Street or public‑space handouts are not addressed by this bill.

• Political campaigns and parties

  • Campaign literature counts as promotional material.
  • You may leave it at a home only during an election period and only if the home has no mailbox. Otherwise, you would need to use the mail or other methods.
  • The rule does not address door‑knocking or speaking with residents; it only addresses leaving materials.

• Government and constituency offices

  • Materials prepared by your offices are exempt from the ban and may be left in visible locations at private dwellings.

• Delivery services

  • Non‑postal flyer delivery to doorsteps or doors at private homes would largely stop.
  • Canada Post mail delivery is not affected.

• What is unclear

  • The bill does not define “private dwelling” or “visible location,” so how it applies to apartments, condos, lobbies, porches, or door handles is not fully clear.
  • No enforcement process, fines, or complaint mechanism is provided.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Possible cost and burden changes:

• Businesses and groups that relied on door‑to‑door flyers would likely face costs to switch to mail or other outreach.
• Government may face some enforcement or public‑education costs, but no details are provided.

Proponents' View#

• The bill appears intended to reduce unsolicited flyers at people’s homes.
• This could cut down on litter and clutter at doorways and porches.
• It could reduce unwanted marketing at homes while preserving official communications from government and elected offices.
• During elections, it still allows campaign information when no mailbox is present, which could help reach voters without mail service at the door.

Opponents' View#

• One concern is the lack of detail on penalties, enforcement, and who handles complaints, which may make the rule hard to apply.
• The terms “private dwelling” and “visible location” are not defined, which could cause confusion (e.g., apartment lobbies, condo buildings, porches, or door handles).
• Businesses, charities, and community groups that use door‑to‑door flyers could face higher costs to switch to mail or digital outreach.
• Limiting where political and community materials can be left may raise questions about access to voters and freedom of expression, especially outside election periods.
• Immediate start on Royal Assent may not give enough time for delivery firms and campaigns to adjust.