Share feedback on election sign regulations in Oakville
Friday, March 01, 2024
The Town of Oakville is reviewing election sign regulations and is asking residents to provide their input. The short questionnaire is open until March 22, 2024 and will help town staff develop recommendations to the town’s sign by-law. Revisions will be presented for Council’s approval later this year.
Open House on March 21
The public can also provide feedback on election sign regulations in person at an Open House on Thursday, March 21 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Bronte Room at Town Hall. Staff will be sharing information about election sign regulations and will be available to answer questions.
Public meetings will also be held in each ward to provide an opportunity for residents to share their thoughts. Details on these meetings will be shared soon and available on the Public Engagement Hub page.
Background
- The current Sign By-law 2018-153 includes some of the following regulations:
- Signs can only be on display for 45 days prior to election day
- Sign support requirements (wood posts with a diameter of 2 inches or less or metal posts with a diameter of ¼ inches or less)
- Restrictions on locations where signs may be placed (not within 5 feet of a fire hydrant or only permitted on main roads)
- Permit requirements (election candidates must apply for a permit, with a fee that is refundable if by-laws are complied with)
- The sign by-law specific to election signs outlines regulations and guidelines regarding the placement, size, duration, and other aspects of municipal, provincial and federal campaign signs during election periods. The by-law specifies the fines and fees associated with sign removal and other enforcement measures available.
- In January 2023, Council passed a motion to have staff undertake community consultation and report back, including legal advice, on the existing by-law regulations and availability of election signage, and options to further regulate and prohibit election signage, including third party elections signs on public property and the resources and cost of implementation.
- To learn more about regulations for election signs, review Part 10 of the Sign By-law 2018-153.