Report an Election Sign Use Complaint

This information is for all political parties, candidates, candidate representatives, third party advertisers, and the public to ensure the Township’s Election Sign Bylaw No. 6118 on proper placement, safe locating, and efficient clean-up of signs is adhered to. Read the Election and Political Signs Bylaw No. 6118 here.

Our approach

Awareness: we provide the bylaw, information, education, and a process for reporting bylaw violations.
Compliance: all signs are to be placed, located, and cleaned up in accordance with the bylaw.
Safety: bylaw compliance helps ensure the safety of all users, including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Responsiveness: complaints will be promptly addressed to uphold the bylaw and ensure public safety.
Enforcement: the Township may issue warnings, remove signs, or impose fines for repeated violations.

Timing of sign placement

Election signs may be erected from when the writ of election is issued until four (4) days after general voting day. Read part 3 of the bylaw for all details.

Key bylaw points to follow

Signs on public property are strictly prohibited including on highways, sidewalks, boulevards, centre medians, islands, parks, bare land, buildings, and other public locations. Read part 4 of the bylaw for all details.
Signs on private property are permitted but must have the consent of the property owner, occupant, or strata corporation, prior to placement. Read part 5 of the bylaw for all details.
Sightline obstruction is prohibited at critical points such as intersections, driveways, and pedestrian crossings, which could pose safety hazards to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Read part 6 of the bylaw for all details.
Obstruction of pedestrian pathways by signs that block or hinder pedestrian movement on sidewalks or other walkways, causing inconvenience and potential safety risks are prohibited. Read part 6 of the bylaw for all details.
Excessive signage placed in a single area, which lead to visual clutter and safety concerns for drivers or pedestrians may be removed. Read part 6 of the bylaw for all details.
Failure to remove signs after the election may result in signs being removed and fines being applied by the Township.

Enforcement

To avoid sign removal and possible fines, those who erect signs must follow the bylaw.

If a violation of the bylaw is found by Township staff and/or a violation complaint is received from the public, private property owners/agents, candidates, or their representatives may be contacted to address the issue.
Serious violations, such as those obstructing sightlines or signs placed in prohibited areas (e.g., medians, boulevards, intersections), may lead to the immediate removal of signs without prior notice.
Repeated violations may result in immediate sign removals and/or fines.
Read part 7 of the bylaw for all details.

Report a complaint

If you wish to report a violation complaint of the Election and Political Signs Bylaw No. 6118, complete this online form that ensures we have all the relevant information required to investigate your complaint.

Sign retrieval

Signs removed due to a violation of the bylaw will be stored by the Township and can be retrieved by a candidate or candidate representative, or a person authorized by a candidate or candidate representative. Location, dates and times for retrieval are determined each election.

Election or political signs removed pursuant to the bylaw, and not claimed within four (4) days after the period set out in the bylaw, become the property of the Township and may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of by the Township, without notice to any person.

Recycling of signs after the election

The Township supports the recycling of election sign materials and provides a sign drop-off station following the completion of the election. Location, dates and times for recycling are determined each election.

NOTE: Signs are not accepted for recycling in your blue box. For those who are unable to attend during the designated drop-off days, signs may be disposed in your garbage bin.