Handbills and Flyers

  The Public Places Bylaw only regulates the unauthorized distribution of printed or promotional material on hotel premises. No one can distribute a handbill, like a pizza flyer,  on hotel premises without the hotel's permission.

Blocking Handbills

To avoid receiving handbills, hotels must place signs at or near all entrances bearing any of the following combinations of words:

• No Trespassing
• No Peddlers or Agents 
• No Advertising
• No Soliciting 
• No Handbills

The hotel may also use a similar notice to indicate that the hotel does not wish to have handbills left on their premises. People distributing handbills at hotels without signs will not be punished.

Reporting Your Concerns

If you have a concern about a handbill you've received:

• Discuss the concern with hotel staff
• Record the address of the violation and a description of the problem if you can't resolve it directly with the hotel
• Call 311
• Provide your name, address, phone number, and the details of your concern in case your testimony is required in court

Responding to Your Complaint

After you call 311, the City takes these steps to help with your issue:

1. A file is created specifying your concerns 
2. A Municipal Enforcement Officer (MEO) opens an investigation 
3. The officer investigates your complaint within 4 business days 
4. The MEO may issue a warning notice with directions to remedy the problem within a specified time frame or issue a bylaw ticket with a $250 fine depending on the circumstances
5. The City may contact you to appear as a witness, if the matter goes to court

Protecting your Privacy

The information you provide will be used to process your complaint, but your name and address will not be made available to anyone else. For more information on how the City protects your privacy visit .