In a move to clean up the city's appearance, St. Catharines city council has approved a new by-law banning election signs on non-residential properties. The measure, which takes effect immediately following its February 11, 2025 approval, restricts candidates to just one sign per residential property.
Under the new rules, any election signs found on commercial properties or in public spaces will be removed right away by city staff. Candidates whose signs are taken down will have to pay costs to get them back, adding a financial penalty to those who don't follow the rules.
The decision comes after concerns about visual clutter throughout the city. Mayor Mat Siscoe explained that the ban addresses the "garbage look" created by too many signs in neighborhoods and helps maintain common visual standards across the community.
Not everyone on the council agreed with the new restrictions. Councillor Kevin Townsend opposed the by-law, arguing that it unfairly limits businesses' rights to publicly support candidates of their choice. However, Councillor Jackie Lindal backed the measure, saying it would create a more organized election environment.
The city has created a detailed enforcement plan for the new rules. Regular inspections will be conducted, and property owners who don't comply could face penalties. Written notices will be issued to offenders, explaining the infraction and what needs to be done. Those who repeatedly break the rules might face legal consequences.
For candidates, these new restrictions mean rethinking campaign strategies. With fewer opportunities for sign placement, they may need to focus more on direct voter outreach or digital platforms. The situation mirrors challenges faced by Canadian filmmakers who must balance competing imperatives between visibility and regulatory constraints. While this might limit visibility in some ways, it could also reduce campaign expenses related to signage.
The by-law is part of broader sign regulations in St. Catharines aimed at improving the city's appearance. Public reaction has been mixed, with some residents welcoming a cleaner look while others worry about the limitations on political expression. The council may consider amendments based on community feedback.
