Election Signs

Election Sign By-law

On April 3, 2018, Council of the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville passed By-law 2018-050-RE, as amended, to regulate election signs. A quick reference guide on the Election Sign By-law can be accessed here: 2026 Guide to Election Signs

General Rules for Placement of Election Signs

Residential and Private property

Election Signs are permitted on a residential boulevard and private property provided that:

• Consent of the owner/occupant is obtained; and
• They do not impede the safe operation of traffic or impair the safety of pedestrians.

Election Signs shall not:

• Have flashing lights or rotating parts;
• Be illuminated;
• Simulate any traffic sign or other sign that directs traffic;
• Use words such as “stop”, “look” or “danger”, which may mislead or confuse traffic; or
• Be attached in any manner to any utility box, planter, bench, railing, retaining wall or similar object which has been placed on municipal property;
• Be supported by anything other than wooden stakes or posts.

Registered Third Parties

Election Sign rules apply to both candidates and registered third parties. In addition, signs placed by registered third parties must include:

• The name of the registered third party;
• The municipality where the third party is registered; and
• A telephone number, mailing address, or email address to contact the registered third party.

Position and size

• Election Signs must not be located within 10 metres (32.81 feet) of another Election Sign for the same candidate;
• No larger than 1.49 square metres (16 square feet);
• Maximum height of 1.22 metres and maximum width of 1.22 metres (4 feet x 4 feet), including the distance from ground level to the top of the sign;
• Length (or width) of 1.22 metres (4 feet). 

Roadways

• Election Signs shall not be located on any centre median, centre boulevard, roundabout or traffic island;
• Must be located a minimum of 1 metre (3.28 feet) from the outer edge of a sidewalk; or
• A minimum of 1 metre (3.28 feet) from the outer edge of a curb or shoulder, where there is no sidewalk;
• May only be displayed at the designated intersections identified in the Town's Election Sign By-law 2018-050-RE, as amended. To see a map of these locations, please click here: Approved Election Sign Locations

Intersection visibility

• Election Signs are prohibited to be placed within a Daylighting Triangle of any intersections, measured 5 metres (16.4 feet) along the street from the point of intersection of the street lines. (See diagram).
• Election Signs must meet all other safety requirements

Public Parks & Municipal Property

Election Signs are not permitted in any park, building or structure owned, operated or controlled by the Town or on the adjacent highway.

Voting Place

Election Signs shall not be placed on a property used during an advance vote or on election day at a voting place. The entire property, including the parking lot, is deemed a voting place when used during an election. Election Signs may not be placed on a highway adjacent to voting places on or in a vehicle which is visible from the outside of the voting place.

Frequently Asked Questions: