York Region candidates have until midnight Thursday to remove signs

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 28, 2014
By Chris Traber

Regardless if Monday brought cheers or tears, winning and losing candidates alike have until midnight Thursday to remove their municipal election signs in York Region.

York Region's sign bylaw was enacted by regional council on Sept. 21, 2006 and regulates the placement, duration and specifications on signs along regional roads.

Municipal election signs at the region’s intersections were permitted starting Sept 15 at midnight. The bylaw states that 72 hours following the close of the polls, all signs must be removed. All signs that have been picked up by the region and not claimed will be disposed of 72 hours following the close of the polls.

Signs placed in contravention of the bylaw will be removed.

The region recommends taking proper safety precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of the public, including reducing driver distractions, when installing and or removing election signs.

Its safety tips include:

• All persons workig near roadways should wear reflective vests/bright clothing and safety footwear;
  
• Signs should be installed and or removed between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.;
  
• Vehicles should be parked in such a way to minimize the impact to other motorists, pedestrians and cyclists;
  
• A road occupancy permit is required if any lanes are blocked;
  
• Stay clear of any maintenance or construction operations and equipment;
• Ensure the signs are properly secured to avoid having them blow away.
  

The region is offering election sign recycling drop-offs at three locations to help divert election signs from landfill.
Since 2006, York Region has diverted 20.13 metric tonnes of election signs from landfill through this special recycling program.

Following the Oct. 27 municipal election, corrugated plastic election signs will be accepted, free-of-charge, at the following locations between Oct. 28 and Nov. 4:

• Georgina Waste Transfer Station. 23068 Warden Ave., Georgina;
• Elgin Mills Community Environmental Centre, 1124 Elgin Mills Rd. E., Richmond Hill;
  

All signs being dropped off must have fasteners, wood or metal stakes and wires removed. Signs with any remaining wood or metal attached will not be accepted. Plastic film election signs will not be accepted.

York Region asks campaign offices not to mix any other recyclable materials with the election signs.

For more information, visit york.ca.