THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
By-law Number 2081-26
BEING A BY-LAW to Regulate Election Signs in the Township of Laird.
WHEREAS Section 11(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001 authorizes municipalities to pass by-laws respecting structures, including signs;
AND WHEREAS Section 99 of the Municipal Act, 2001 permits municipalities to regulate advertising devices;
AND WHEREAS the Council of the Township of Laird deems it desirable to regulate the placement of election signs to ensure public safety, maintain municipal property, and promote fairness during election campaigns;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Laird enacts as follows:
1. Definitions
“Election Sign” means any sign, poster, placard, banner, or device that promotes, opposes, or relates to:
- a candidate in an election;
- a registered third party advertiser; or
- a question on a ballot.
“Election” means an election held under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, the Canada Elections Act, or the Election Act (Ontario).
“Municipal Property” means all lands, buildings, and structures owned, leased, or operated by the Township of Laird, including parks, halls, facilities, and cemeteries.
“Road Allowance” means land owned by the Township or the Crown that is intended for use as a public roadway, including ditches and boulevards.
“Voting Day” means the day on which electors cast ballots in an election.
2. General Provisions
- 2.1 No person shall place an election sign on municipal property.
- 2.2 Election signs may be placed on private property with the consent of the owner or occupant.
- 2.3 Election signs may be placed on road allowances, subject to the restrictions in this by-law.
- 2.4 No election sign shall be placed in a manner that obstructs visibility, creates a safety hazard, or interferes with municipal operations.
3. Timing of Election Signs
3.1 Election signs may be erected no earlier than:
- The day the candidate files their nomination, or
- The day a third party registers, or
- The day a writ is issued for a provincial or federal election.
3.2 All election signs shall be removed no later than 72 hours after Voting Day.
4. Placement and Size Restrictions
4.1 Election signs shall not be placed:
- On or inside any municipal building, facility, or structure, including walls, doors, windows, fences, interior spaces, bulletin boards, or display areas;
- On or within 50 metres of a voting place, at any time;
- On utility poles, traffic signs, or municipal equipment;
- In a manner that obstructs sidewalks, driveways, or entrances;
- In a location that obstructs sightlines at intersections or curves.
4.2 Election signs on road allowances must:
- Be set back at least 3 metres from the edge of the travelled roadway;
- Not exceed 1.5 square metres in area;
- Not exceed 2 metres in height;
- Be securely fastened and maintained in good condition.
5. Removal of Signs
5.1 The Township may remove any election sign that:
- Violates this by-law;
- Creates a safety hazard;
- Is placed on municipal property;
- Is not removed within 72 hours after Voting Day.
5.2 Removed signs may be stored at a Township facility for 7 days, after which they may be disposed of without notice.
5.3 The Township is not responsible for damage to signs removed under this by-law.
6. Enforcement
- 6.1 The Clerk, Roads Department staff, or a designate is authorized to enforce this by-law.
- 6.2 A person who contravenes this by-law may be subject to penalties under the Provincial Offences Act.
7. Severability
If any section of this by-law is found invalid, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.
8. Effective Date
This by-law shall come into force and take effect on the date of its passing.