Election Sign Guidelines

This Election Sign Guide outlines the criteria set out in York Region’s Sign Bylaw. York Region’s Sign Bylaw No. 2015-36 was enacted by York Regional Council on September 21, 2006 and amended on June 26, 2015. This bylaw regulates the sign placement, duration and specifications on Regional roads.

Registration

A non-refundable Election Sign Permit fee may be applied per candidate per local municipality in which candidates or third party advertisers seek to install signs.
To obtain a permit for an election sign, please contact your local municipality.

Sign Size

Signs must be in proper repair and not exceed 1.22 metres (4 feet) high and 1.22 metres (4 feet) wide.

Sign Placement

Reference the Placement Restriction Diagram below

• Signs are only permitted at intersections on Regional roads
• Signs are permitted within 40 metres (131 feet) from the edge of the pavement of the intersecting road (10 metres less than the sign bylaw to prevent the need to measure from the centre line)
• No candidate, registered third party or registered third party advertiser shall place no more than two signs per intersection (one per corner) at permitted Regional intersections

It is encouraged that anyone installing signs have appropriate insurance to protect themselves and cover any costs related to potential damage to utilities, infrastructure or other incidents resulting from the installation of a sign. It is the sign installer’s responsibility to obtain any necessary utility clearances from Ontario One-Call.

Signs cannot be placed:

• At any restricted intersections due to property constraints (see the sign restriction maps in the maps section)
• In a location that impairs or obstructs the visibility of motorists or pedestrians or warning devices including railway, traffic or municipal signs
• On any centre median, traffic island or centre boulevard within a road allowance
• Within five metres (17 feet) from a fire hydrant, transit shelter or bus stop
• Within three metres (10 feet) lateral distance from the edge of the road pavement or back of curb
• Within 10 metres (33 feet) lateral distance from intersection or driveway pavement edge

If sign placement does not comply with  the bylaw, signs will be removed for public safety.

Placement Restriction Diagram

Signs are only permitted at intersection corners on Regional roads, within 40 metres of the corners.
Note: Diagram not to scale.

Accessible formats of this diagram, the contents or communication supports are also available upon request.

View in High Resolution (PDF)

Municipal Restriction Maps

The following maps are for print purposes and are in PDF format.

• Town of Aurora
• Town of East Gwillimbury
• Town of Georgina
• Township of King
• City of Markham
• Town of Newmarket
• City of Richmond Hill
• City of Vaughan
• Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville

Installation and Removal of Signs

• Installation and removal of signs is the responsibility of election candidates
• Election signs are permitted 24 hours per day, seven days per week only during the period commencing at 10 a.m. on the 28th day prior election day
• 72 hours following the close of the polls all signs must be removed from the Regional road intersections
• Signs placed in contrary to  York Region’s Sign Bylaw will be removed byYork Region and/or local municipal staff
• Signs that are removed due to non-compliance will be held until after election day

Safety Precautions

When installing/removing election signs, take proper safety precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of the public, including reducing driver distractions. Safety tips include:

•  All persons working near roadways shall wear reflective vests/bright clothing and safety footwear
• Signs should be installed and removed between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., outside of peak travel times
• Vehicles should be park ed in such a way to minimize the impact to othermotorists, pedestrians and cyclists
• A road occupancy permit  will be required  if any lanes are blocked. Information about road permits is available on the Road Use and Road Sign Permits page
• Stay clear of any maintenance or construction operations and equipment
• Ensure signs are properly  secured to avoid being blown away

Election Sign Recovery — By Appointment Only

Signs can only be recovered after the election and will be available for pick-up 72 hours after election day. To recover non-compliant signs, please contact Public Works at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75000 or via email at @email and indicate the district centre where the signs where placed:

Southwest District Roads Operations Centre
2850 Rutherford Road
City of Vaughan

Southeast District Roads Operations Centre
1700 Major MacKenzie Dr E
City of Richmond Hill

Central District Roads Operations Centre
16042 Woodbine Avenue
Town of Newmarket

North District Roads Operations Centre
3525 Baseline Rd
Town of Georgina

Election Sign Recycling

Following the election, candidates are welcome to recycle coroplast (corrugated plastic) election signs at the York Region Waste Depots listed below. Please note, only coroplast campaign signs are accepted. Plastic film signs are not recyclable but can be dropped off as garbage for a fee. All fasteners, wood or metal stakes and wires must be removed prior to drop-off. For location details, visit york.ca/wastedepots or call 1-866-665-6752. Signs will be accepted at these locations for seven days following the election date.

Drop Off Locations, Dates and Hours

Elgin Mills Community Environmental Centre
1124 Elgin Mills Road East, City of Richmond Hill
1-866-665-6752

McCleary Court Community Environmental Centre
130 McCleary Court, City of Vaughan
1-866-665-6752

Georgina Waste Transfer Station
23068 Warden Avenue, Town of Georgina
1-866-665-6752

*All depots closed civic and statutory holidays.

For more information please contact @email