Mississauga residents who spot election signs on public property should report them to the City rather than move them themselves. City crews are patrolling for illegally placed signs and removing them, with campaigns facing a storage charge of $20 per day for each sign collected.
According to a City of Mississauga news release, election signs are appearing across the city ahead of the municipal election scheduled for October 26. The City is reminding candidates and residents that signs are prohibited on public property and must comply with its Sign By-law.
Election signs do not require a permit in Mississauga, but that does not exempt them from the by-law’s requirements. The City says the rules help protect roads, sidewalks and public spaces by reducing visibility problems and other hazards.
How to report a sign
Residents who believe a sign violates the by-law can submit a report through the City’s online service form or call 311. City staff will review each report to determine whether the sign complies.
The City is asking residents not to remove or relocate election signs from public property. Instead, they should contact the City so staff can address the concern.
Property owners have a different option when a sign appears on their own land without permission: they may remove it. The City’s guidance distinguishes those signs from ones placed on public property, where removal should be left to municipal crews.
Fees and possible enforcement
Campaigns are charged $20 per day, per sign, for storage when City crews collect illegally placed election signs.
For signs measuring one square metre or more, an additional removal fee applies. That charge is $200 per sign or the City’s actual removal cost, whichever is greater.
The City may also take further enforcement action over signs that do not comply with the by-law, including laying charges under the Provincial Offences Act.
Information about election sign requirements and reporting concerns is available on the City’s Municipal Election page.
