Election Signs

Application Process for Election Signs

Candidates and registered third parties wishing to erect election signs within the geographical boundaries of the City of Vaughan must complete and submit the Election Sign Fee Form (PDF) and submit it along with the appropriate non-refundable fee to the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services Department.

 

The non-refundable fee is as follows:

  • $377 per candidate running for the office of Mayor, Local and Regional Councillor
  • $189 per candidate running for the office of Ward Councillor
  • $126 per registered third party
  • $63 per candidate running for the office of School Trustee.

  • Candidates and third party advertisers are also required to pay the $250 York Region sign fee, which is included on the Election Sign Fee Form.

 

Once the form and fee have been submitted, staff with the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services Department will contact you to make arrangements to review the City of Vaughan and York Region sign by-laws and educate your staff/volunteers.

 

*For detailed information on these sessions contact the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services Department. 905-832-2281.

 

Download the Non-refundable Sign Fee Form

 

 

Regulations for Election Signs

Candidates and third party advertisers are responsible for following the City of Vaughan Sign By-law as well as the York Region Sign By-law. 

 

The following are some points that you may find helpful:

  • Signs may be erected on private property 6 weeks from Voting Day.

  • Signs may be erected on Regional roads 28 days from Voting Day.

  • Election signs cannot exceed a maximum sign area of 1.49 square metres

  • Signs must be located on private property and no person shall cause or permit the erection of election signs on municipal property under the jurisdiction of the City of Vaughan. 

  • No person shall cause or permit the erection of election signs on all public road allowances. 

  • In order to maintain community standards and ensure public safety the City of Vaughan’s By-Law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services Department will be enforcing the placement of illegally placed signs on behalf of the City of Vaughan and the Region of York. Failure to comply with the respective sign by-law will result in the confiscation of signs. Signs are stored for a period of thirty days and if not retrieved, the sign(s) will be destroyed or otherwise recycled or disposed of by the City.

  • Election signs on Vaughan roads and Regional roads must be removed within 72 hours of Voting Day.

  • Signs on Steeles Avenue (north and south sides) are under the jurisdiction of the City of Toronto. Please contact the City of Toronto for signage restrictions and fees. 

  • The York Region District School Board and York Catholic District School Board have policies prohibiting signs and the distribution of campaign literature. Please check with the respective School Boards for  information.

  • Candidates and residents with cardboard or coroplast signs (Corrugated plastic signs) are encouraged to recycle them. York Region accommodates coroplast signs but there are specific requirements for these signs. Plastic film election signs are not accepted.

 

Download the City of Vaughan Election Sign Placement Card

Download the Election Signs Guide for Regional Roads

 

 

Campaign Headquarter Signs

The permissible size of signs at a campaign headquarters will depend on the content of the sign as well as the type of sign. Candidates should consult with the City's Building Standards Department and the City of Vaughan's Sign By-law, to determine which regulations apply. The submission of a sketch with all relevant dimensions and locations noted will assist the Building Standards Department in providing advice.
 
The external identification signage associated with the campaign offices are business premises signs that require sign permits. These signs must comply with all relevant sections of the City's consolidated sign by-law. (Note: Banner signs are not permitted.) Many commercial properties within the City have approved site plan agreements that further restrict the placement and size of wall signs. Before erecting such signage, please contact the City's Building Standards Department for restrictions and application requirements. The consolidated sign by-law also permits business premises the use of temporary signs such as Mobile Signs and "A"-Frame Signs. These types of signs require sign permits to be issued and have specific by-law requirements governing their use. Before erecting such signage, please contact the City's Building Standards Department for restrictions and application requirements.  

 

 

Campaign Identification or Flags on Vehicles

The City and York Region (and, with respect to Steeles Ave., the City of Toronto) regulate election signs through their respective by-laws. These by-laws do not cover signs on motor vehicles, so long as the primary purpose of the motor vehicle is to operate as a motor vehicle. In keeping with the restrictions in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, vehicles with signs will not be permitted at City Hall or in the immediate vicinity (100 metres) of any voting places during Advance Voting/Continuous Advance Voting and on Voting Day. Other legislation may apply (Highway Traffic Act) to motor vehicles generally. School board policies may apply, please check their websites.
 
For details on election signs please consult with the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services Department at 905-832-2281.