Civic election sign period begins next week

Candidates are permitted to place signs at the designated city locations as well as on private property, provided they meet the requirements outlined in the city’s sign bylaw.

“The candidates can start putting up their signs in the 14 designated city locations, as well as private property,” said Kent MacNeill, Manager of Bylaw Services. “And then, of course, they also have to come down three days after the election period.”

That means campaign signs must be removed shortly after voting concludes on Oct. 17, with a deadline of approximately Oct. 20 for their removal.

While election signs are a familiar sight during municipal campaigns, MacNeill said many residents may not realize just how detailed the city’s regulations are.

“The bylaw is very specific and it actually gives diagrams of how many sides the sign can have, how big they can be on public property versus private property,” he said. “It’s very extensive.”

The regulations cover everything from sign dimensions and placement to the number of sign faces permitted, with different standards applying depending on whether a sign is located on public or private land. The goal is to create a level playing field for candidates while ensuring the signs do not create safety concerns or visual clutter.

MacNeill said the 14 designated city locations were selected carefully to balance visibility for candidates with the need to maintain safe roadways and orderly public spaces.

By restricting signs to approved areas on public property, the city hopes to prevent excessive congestion at busy intersections and reduce distractions for motorists.

The designated locations also help bylaw officers monitor compliance more effectively throughout the campaign period.

As election day approaches, residents can expect to see an increasing number of signs promoting candidates seeking municipal office. Campaign signage remains one of the most visible aspects of local election campaigns, helping candidates increase name recognition and communicate their messages to voters.

However, city officials are reminding candidates and campaign volunteers to review the rules before putting signs in place. Signs installed in unauthorized locations or those that do not comply with bylaw specifications could be subject to enforcement action, including removal.

With the sign period beginning Tuesday, the visual landscape of the election campaign is set to become much more noticeable across Prince George as candidates compete for the attention of voters ahead of the Oct. 17 civic election.

by Cheryl Jahn

Civic election sign period begins next week

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