(Photo courtesy of Election Services via Facebook.com)
Toronto weather has turned, we're into a new month, and a new season is upon us: Election season.
The Toronto municipal election date of Oct. 22 is fast-approaching and campaign signs are popping up quickly.
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The city of Toronto’s bylaws allowed campaign signs to go up as of Sept. 27. But what are the rules for election signs in the city?
Let's break it down:
Where can signs go?
Signs can be installed on private property and attached to fences. But renters beware, the property owner must consent to this.
Signs can’t be within 0.6 metres on either side of a sidewalk, 1.5 metres of a curb, three metres of an intersection of a local road or pedestrian crossover, and 15 metres of an intersection or pedestrian crossover of a collector or arterial road.
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As for non-housing properties: Signs can’t be placed on the surface of a vehicle, trailer, median or an island. Signs cannot be placed adjacent to a polling station, a city of Toronto park or facility.
And if you want to place a sign on a TTC advertising space, bus shelters, garbage or recycling container, or street installation advertising space, you will need permission.
Signs can't ...
Signs can't be higher be than two metres above the ground, unless located at a campaign office or on city-approved advertising spaces.
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Also, signs can’t block sightlines, have the City of Toronto logo, be attached to trees, or be larger than 1.2 square metres in area (again, except at a campaign office or on a city-approved advertising space).
Signs also can't be illuminated (unless on city-approved advertising spaces).
When it comes to removing signs ...
If on private property, the only people who can remove the sign would be the property owner, the candidate or their campaign, or the third party responsible for the sign.
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If on public property, the only people who can remove the sign would be the candidate or their campaign or a third party responsible for the sign can remove it.
Finally, all signs must be removed by 9 p.m. on Oct. 25 — three days after election day.
If you spot a sign bylaw violation, complaints can be made through the City of Toronto's 311 service.
