Placement of Campaign Signage
The Traffic Bylaw (5590) regulates the placement of signs on roadways, light standards, and other areas that have vehicle or pedestrian traffic. Placing a sign illegally on City of Edmonton property is a bylaw offence that may result in a fine of $250.
For placement of free-standing signs and enforcement, please review the Guidelines for the Placement of Free Standing Election Signs, letter to candidates from Community Standards and the information provided.
Private Property
You may place signs on private property only with the consent of the property owner. Any property not owned by the City of Edmonton, including federal and provincial property, is referred to here as private property.
Schools
The Catholic and Public School Districts have policies prohibiting signs and the distribution of campaign literature. Certain exceptions may apply:
- At times when part of the building is rented in order to hold a political meeting
- If materials are deemed appropriate for student educational programs
Please contact your School District for clarification of these restrictions.
City Property
In order to maintain community standards and ensure public safety, the City of Edmonton's Community Standards and Neighbourhoods Branch has been stepping up enforcement of illegally placed signs on City property. With public attention focused on signs, it is more important than ever to follow City bylaws carefully. Failure to meet regulations will result in a $250 fine.
Campaign signs are allowed on some City property; however, under City bylaw, signs are prohibited in the following locations:
- On City-owned buildings
- On a roadway centre median, traffic circle or traffic island
- On a traffic control device, such as: stop signs, directional arrows and so on, or where they obscure, detract from or could be confused with a traffic control device
- In a park
- On City-owned trees, fences or any other street furniture
- In any Transit Centre or LRT Station
- On City space in residential areas
- Within 30 metres of a signalized intersection, 15 metres of all other intersections, and within 3 metres of a curb
- 0.5 metres back of a sidewalk and/or adjacent to private property with an existing building
In all cases, signs are not permitted if they interfere with the safe and orderly movement of pedestrians or vehicles, or within sightlines required under any City bylaw.
Sections 10 and 15, Parkland Bylaw (2202)
Sections 64 and 65, Traffic Bylaw (5590)
Confiscated Signs, Fines, and Retrieval
These guidelines ensure that campaign signs are regulated in order to make sure signs do not interfere with public safety. Provisions have also been made for the removal of election signs following the Election to ensure they do not contribute to litter along our roadways. Signs must be removed within 3 days after Election Day.
Any sign violating a bylaw provision may be removed by the City of Edmonton Community Standards and Neighbourhoods Branch. They may fine candidates whose campaign signs are removed due to violations of bylaw requirements.
Removed signs may be reclaimed from the City's sign impound yard located immediately south of 8725 58 Avenue. Please call 311 to book an appointment for sign retrieval. Photo ID will be required. All signs not claimed within 10 days of Election Day will be destroyed. Please note: Signs may be destroyed sooner than 10 days after Election Day at the discretion of the City.
Sections 64 and 65, Traffic Bylaw (5590)
Sign Removal
All election signs must be removed from public property within 3 days of the election. Community Standards Peace Officers will remove any remaining signs and candidates may be fined. Citizens can call 311 to report concerns about the removal of campaign signs.
Recycling Election Signs
Candidates and residents with plastic or cardboard campaign signs are encouraged to take them apart and recycle them at any of these locations:
- Edmonton Waste Management Centre (250 Aurum Road NE)
- Eco Stations
- Recycling Depots (cardboard and plastic signs only–no metal frames or wooden stakes permitted)
Signs must be separated and components sorted into the correct bins to be recycled. Large signs must be cut into pieces no larger than 3’ x 3’ (1m x 1m).
Questions?
For further information on the placement of free-standing election signs, please call 311.