Municipal election candidates in Toronto are now permitted to put up and display election signs, with the window opening Thursday, Oct. 1 under the City's sign bylaw.
The rules, announced in a September 29 City of Toronto news release, lay out where signs can go, how big they can be and when they must come down.
Where signs can — and can't — be placed
Candidates can display signs on private property, including lawns and fences, with the consent of the property owner or occupant. Signs are also allowed on public property such as boulevards and public utility poles.
When more than one sign is displayed at a location, each sign must be at least one metre apart, unless the property owner or occupant approves otherwise — either of the property itself, or of the adjoining property when the sign sits on public land.
Size limits and restrictions
Election signs cannot exceed 1.2 square metres in area or rise higher than two metres above ground level, according to the City of Toronto news release. Exceptions apply to signs on campaign offices, TTC dedicated advertising spaces, street installation advertising spaces and third-party advertising spaces such as billboards, as well as signs displayed indoors, on windows and on balconies.
Signs also cannot be illuminated unless they are on advertising spaces, attached to trees, or made to obstruct visibility or block sightlines for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Election signs cannot contain the City's logo.
Removal and disposal
All election signs must be removed by October 29 — 72 hours after the election. Property owners, occupants and candidates are responsible for taking down and disposing of them.
The City cautions that election signs should never be placed in recycling. Separated signs can instead be brought to any of the City's seven Drop-off Depots free of charge for disposal.
Enforcement and complaints
The City may remove signs that conflict with the Signs Bylaw, Article II – Election Signs. Before Election Day, candidates will be notified and given information on when and where confiscated signs can be picked up. Signs that are not retrieved may be recycled, destroyed or otherwise disposed of by the City.
Residents who spot a sign that appears to violate the bylaw can contact 311 and submit a service request. The City asks that complaints include the name of the candidate or third-party advertiser, the sign's address or location — with landmarks described if no address is available — and the reason for the complaint.
More information on election sign rules and disposal is available on the City's Election Signs web page.
