Orillia clamping down on election signage

simcoe.com
Feb. 3, 2015
By Frank Matys

City councillors have supported a proposal to restrict the length of time election signage is allowed on public or private property.

“I think it’s a great idea and prevents clutter and litter all over the place and signs being stolen,” said Coun. Ralph Cipolla.

Committee supported a staff recommendation that elections signs not be allowed on public and private property more than 45 days prior to an election.

Signs could be erected at campaign offices up to 90 days in advance.

Coun. Mason Ainsworth, who posted his election signs in early September, said the 45-day period was too short.

“People should be able to choose whether or not they want to put them out earlier...,” Ainsworth said. “The idea that someone really feels the need that they need to get their name out there and put that out, I don’t think we should tell them that you’re not allowed to and you have to wait.”

Currently, Orillia’s signage bylaw does not restrict when an election sign may be erected prior to an election.

Yet such signs distract motorists, interfere with traffic sight lines and clutter the landscape, staff added.

“People running in my ward put out signs quite early, so one felt compelled to put them out early to try and keep up with them,” said Coun. Pat Hehn, citing theft and vandalism as problems.

The proposed measure follows a letter from a local resident who called on the city to restrict election signage displays to a 20-day period.

Staff argued that a 45-day time span helps ensure incumbents don’t have an advantage over new candidates.

“I think this is the earliest I’ve seen the election signs go up,” Crawford said of the recent municipal election, adding the first signs appeared in early July.

A 45-day time frame also minimizes the likelihood of a legal challenge, he added.

In 2007, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled that a City of Vaughan bylaw prohibiting election signs from being erected 21 days before the election was unconstitutional.

A review of other municipalities determined that most restrict the length of time that election signs can be erected.

“It varies from municipality to municipality,” said Crawford. “Anywhere from 24 days to 42 days prior to an election.”

Ainsworth suggested a 60-day time limit as an alternative but failed to win majority support.