MAPLETON – With both provincial and municipal elections set to occur this year, council here has adopted a bylaw regulating election signage.
Clerk Larry Wheeler told council on March 22 the township bylaw basically “mirrors” a Wellington County bylaw dealing with election signs.
In a staff report, Wheeler notes a key provision limits display of signage until after the issuance of writs for a provincial or federal election, or within six weeks immediately preceding a municipal election and requires them to be removed at the candidates’ expense within 48 hours after election day.
The bylaw also limits the size of signs to no more than 1.5 metres wide and 2.0 meters in height and contains language indicating signs may not obstruct lines of sight for traffic or pedestrians.
The township has thus far operated without such a bylaw, but Wheeler suggested it would be good to have one in the event issues arise.
“Certainly in the recent past Mapleton has had no agitator or impetus to require an election sign bylaw,” he noted.
“But our neighbours have experienced aggressive practices that required intervention. If adopted, a Mapleton election sign bylaw may become useful in 2022, or it may simply sit on the shelf until needed.”
Two council members suggested banning election signs completely.
“I find election signs to be a complete abomination to my eyesight every four years,” said councillor Michael Martin.
However, he added, “But, I think that’s also a little self-righteous coming from an incumbent, because new people looking to get their names out there, I think (signs are) one way of doing that.”
Martin added, “I really don’t have a strong opinion on it, but I would just love to see them disappear altogether, especially in this digital age. I think there’s other good ways of doing it.”
Councillor Marlene Ottens asked, “Is there any appetite to just make Mapleton an election sign free zone? No election signs at all?”
She added, “I mean, given that we’re trying to be pro-environment, election signs are not the most environmentally and visually appealing thing.
“And again, I say that as someone who would benefit from them.”
Wheeler pointed out the township could ban signs along its own roadways, but, “we would have no control over signs on county roads within the township.”
“Then it seems a moot point,”replied Ottens.
Mayor Gregg Davidson indicated he was also not a fan of election signs.
“I would not be opposed to saying ban all signs,” he said.
“I agree it’s unsightly at times to have so many signs put up, especially when you have 15 candidates running and they’re all on one corner. It could be very unsightly.”
However, Davidson noted, “With a sign bylaw like this, if some of those signs are in the wrong position they could be removed.”
A motion to receive the staff report for information was approved by council.
A bylaw regulating election signage was approved later in the meeting.
