The amendments were approved during the council’s December meeting. Photo by P199/Wikimedia Commons CC BY SA 3.0
Kawartha Lakes city council has passed amendments to its election signage bylaw, with a minor change, following consultations with city officials and input from candidates who participated in the 2022 municipal election. The amendments were approved during the council’s December meeting.
The revisions address several areas related to election signage, including the types of signs permitted, their placement, and penalties for improper sign placement.
Deputy Clerk Joel Watts explained that with the potential of all three levels of government holding elections in 2025, it was an ideal time to update the signage bylaw. He noted that consultations with senior city staff and input from candidates helped shape the changes, aiming to improve the clarity and effectiveness of the rules.
One of the most significant changes is recognizing that flags and banners are now accepted as election signs. Additionally, billboard advertising is now allowed during election periods. “Candidates may purchase advertising space on an existing billboard as an advertising expense similar to an expense for purchasing a radio or newspaper advertising spot,” Watts said.
Another key change affects the placement of signs in the Lindsay community. The new bylaw prohibits election signs from being placed on the public medians along Victoria Avenue between Kent Street West and Peel Street. Due to its proximity to municipal buildings and the Lindsay Farmers Market, Watts cited concerns over the damage, alteration, and movement of signs in this area.
For other parts of Victoria Avenue, the new bylaw limits election signs on median strips to one sign per candidate or registered third party for every two median strips.
In addition to changes in sign placement, the amendments introduce a new fee structure for signs removed by municipal law enforcement for improper placement. Candidates will now face a $20 charge per sign and a $5 per day storage fee if signs are not picked up within 10 days after the election.
The amendments also clarify the sign collection process, stating that candidates must contact municipal law enforcement prior to sign collection to ensure staff are available to facilitate the process.
Watts emphasized that the new bylaw amendments do not affect signage on private property.
The upcoming Ward 5 municipal byelection, expected to take place in the first quarter of 2025, is expected to be the first test of the new regulations, with potential infractions being enforced.
