Milton council to revisit discussion on banning election signs on public roadways

Halton | Milton | Ontario | Latest News |

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Published October 6, 2021 at 2:25 pm

A motion to prohibit election signs on public roadways in Milton was recently up for discussion at a Town Council meeting which resulted in a vote to defer the decision.

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.

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

As a result, several Milton residents have asked for election signs to be banned, prohibited or at the very least restricted to private properties only.

During the meeting on Oct. 4, several concerns were raised including how it could be a potential disadvantage to new candidates.

Additionally, Milton Town Councillor and Regional Councillor Mike Cluett’s amendment to the motion requested that Town staff further review the legal aspects of the ban. He also brought up a suggestion in regards to dedicating specific areas for election signs in each ward.

As a result of the decision being deferred, staff are set to report back to council next month.

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.

Additionally, 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.

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