Election signs on public roadways could soon be prohibited in Milton

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Published September 13, 2021 at 2:33 pm

A motion to prohibit election signs on public roadways in Milton is set to be considered at an upcoming Town Council meeting.

The motion, brought forward by Councillor Zeeshan Hamid and seconded by Councillor Colin Best, pertains to the thousands of plastic lawn signs that are produced during each election cycle.

In the past, Milton residents have asked for election signs to be banned, outright prohibited or at the very least restricted to private properties only and online polls have found this support to be over 90 per cent.

Additionally, nearby municipalities such as Burlington, Mississauga and Brampton have already prohibited the use of election signs on public roadways.

Should this motion be passed, the Town of Milton would join these municipalities as well as others across Canada that prohibit the display of all campaign lawn signs outside of private properties.

The notice of this motion begins by discussing the topic of “sign wars,” which, according to the notice, provide an unfair advantage to wealthier candidates and incumbents who can raise money. Additionally, it states that putting an end to said wars could help “level the playing field” for all candidates, regardless of financial means.

The notice then brings up the fact that reducing election signs could also prevent additional plastics from entering the environment, trails and waterways.

If passed, staff would be directed to bring forward the necessary amendment to the Town’s Election Sign By-law to prohibit the placement of election signs on public property.

The consideration for this motion is set to be discussed at an upcoming Town Council meeting on Oct. 4.

 

 

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