​BRAMPTON, ON (November 29, 2022) – At its Special meeting this week, Brampton City Council approved an amendment to the City’s Sign By-law to only permit the display of election  signs in windows or in windows in doors for all future elections. This amendment will apply to all private property, including residential and non-residential lands.

The City has seen significant growth in the number of complaints related to illegal election signs in the past many elections, including the 2018, 2019, and 2022 municipal, provincial and federal elections. Contravention of the City’s Sign By-law poses numerous issues, in particular in relation to traffic hazards and visual clutter. The enforcement relating to the placement of illegal signage has an impact on municipal resources with the average cost of investigating and prosecuting an illegal municipal election sign being approximately $125 to $130 per sign. City staff will report back to Council on a proposed increase to fines associated with illegal election signs.

The placement of election signs in windows will provide residents with the option to express their support for any candidate or third party while preventing sign tampering, illegal placement, visual clutter, driver distraction, and public safety issues.

Learn more about the City’s Sign By-law here.

Quotes

“Over past elections, the City has seen a significant increase of complaints related to illegal election signs, and these signs pose numerous issues related to the environment and the appearance of our community. Under the amended Sign By-law, residents will be able to continue to have their voices heard regarding candidates and third parties by displaying election signs in windows, which will help keep our city safe and beautiful.”
-        Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“Illegal election signs can greatly impact public safety and take away from the appearance of our community, as well as put a strain on municipal resources. By amending the City’s Sign By-law to only permit displays of election posters in windows, we can mitigate signs on public property, excessive signage, signs on City property and signs displayed more than 72 hours after an election, and keep our city clean and green.”
-        Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Legislative Services, City of Brampton

“I want to reiterate to our residents that this is an amendment to the City’s Sign By-law, not a ban. Amending the By-Law will reduce excessive signage, save on resources removing illegal signs, improve the safety of our residents and maintain the appearance of the community. We thank residents for their continued commitment to ensuring Brampton stays healthy, safe and clean.”
-          Marlon Kallideen, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton


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