New election sign rules apply
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PRINCE GEORGE – The writ dropped yesterday morning launching a federal election and, within hours, the elections signs started popping up around town. Nearly two years ago, prior to the municipal election, the City introduced a bylaw restricting the size and placement of elections signs. But, does the rule apply to federal election signage. “Yes it does,” says Walter Babicz with the City’s Legislative Services department.
“So it is a City bylaw. It applies to lands within the City boundaries and it applies to local government elections, as well as provincial elections and federal elections and referenda.” Specifically, there are 14 zones and, within them, 31 specific locations where signs can be placed. Signs can be posted from the moment the writ is dropped to three days after the election. Also, the size of the signage is restricted. Signs on city property can be no larger than four feet by eight feet. On private property, the sign can be no bigger than four feet by four feet. And the rules will be enforced.
“If a candidate doesn’t move a sign that’s in a spot where it shouldn’t be, we do have the authority to remove the sign and store it for seven days and allow the candidate to come and collect it again,” explains Fred Crittenden with Bylaw Services. “Or, after the seven days, just destroy it.”
However, the City’s bylaw doesn’t apply to provincial highways, such as Highway 16 and Highway 97.
