Election Signs

Election signs can’t be designed in a way that could confuse, distract, or mislead traffic, or in any other way threaten pedestrian or driver safety.

Signs can’t:

• Light up
• Have flashing lights, reflectors or rotating parts
• Use words, phrases, symbols, characters, light or other design elements that imitate a traffic sign or signal (e.g., ‘Stop’, ‘Look’, ‘One Way’, ‘Danger’, etc.)

Outside of the above, election sign content is not regulated by municipal bylaws. Complaints about libel or hate speech on election signs are investigated by the York Regional Police under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Election signs are allowed on private property if:

• The candidate or third party has purchased the proper election sign permit from the City of Markham
• The sign is put up within the permitted posting period for the election
• The property owner or occupant has given permission for the sign for the sign to go up
• The sign is planted in the ground (e.g., not on a wall, window, fence, utility structure, tree or natural object)
• The candidate or third party advertiser only has one election sign posted on the property
• The election sign doesn’t interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic safety
• The sign doesn’t interfere with a fire escape, fire exit, door, window, scuttle, skylight, flue, air intake, or exhaust
• The sign doesn’t stop or impede emergency workers from accessing any part of a building (including emergency water connections and/or fire hydrants)
• If it’s a rural residential area or a farm, the sign is on the part of the property that is being maintained as a residence
• The property doesn’t border a restricted street within a Heritage Conservation District;

Election signs are allowed on public boulevards bordering the front yard of a private residence, unless the residence is within a Heritage Conservation District. Permission is needed from the property owner or resident whose home borders the boulevard. Election signs are not allowed on public boulevards to the side or back of private residences.

Election signs are allowed on public property if:

• The candidate or third party advertiser has purchased the proper election sign permit from the City of Markham
• The sign is put up within the permitted posting period for the election
• The sign is put up at a designated intersection, and is:
  • Within the candidate or third party advertiser’s electoral district
  • Within 50 metres of the corner and outside the corner’s sight triangle
  • At least 10 metres back from a driveway or parking lot access point
  • At least 5 metres back from any bus stops, bus shelters, and fire hydrants
  • At least 3 metres back from the curb, road shoulder or edge
  • At least 3 metres back from a school crossing
  • At least 1 metre back from any sidewalks
  • Planted in the ground (e.g., not on a wall, window, fence, utility structure, tree or natural object)
  • Not between a curb and a sidewalk
  • Not on a traffic island or median strip
  • Not on a corner where the neighbouring property is a City of Markham facility (e.g., community centre, public library, etc.)
  • Not on a corner where the neighbouring property is being used as a Voting Place
  • Not blocking safe pedestrian or vehicle movement
  • Not blocking City maintenance work

If an election sign is put up in conflict with the City’s bylaws, the sign will be removed and held until after the election.

• Candidates and third party advertisers who have a permit can put up election signs  starting September 26 at 10 AM
• Signs that are not recovered by the candidate or third party advertiser  within 72 hours after Final Voting Day (October 24) are removed by the City of Markham
• Signs  are removed by the City if:
• The sign is placed in a non-permitted location
• The sign has been removed from the ground or is in disrepair
• The sign poses a public safety hazard
• Candidates and third party advertisers will be charged a $26 service fee for any sign that is in violation of the City’s bylaws. 
• Candidates and third party advertisers whose election signs are removed by the City receive weekly reports that will include:
• The location of any removed signs belonging to them
• The reason why a specific sign was removed
• The total infraction fees they owe to the City
• Signs that are removed by the City are held until after the election
• Candidates and third party advertisers are notified of where and how they can get their election signs back
• Election signs that are not recovered by the owner are disposed of by the City
• Election signs are private property. Complaints about vandalism, theft, or tampering are reported to the York Regional Police

Safety precautions

When installing and removing election signs, remember to take proper safety precautions to support both your own and public safety, such as: 

• Wearing bright and reflective clothing (e.g., traffic vests) and safety footwear
• Putting up and taking down election signs outside of peak travel times (e.g., between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM)
• Parking your vehicles  in a way to minimize the impact  to pedestrians, and cyclists, and other motorists
• Staying clear of any maintenance or construction
• Securing your signs firmly in the ground to protect them from being blown away

• Candidates are allowed to put up elections signs at their campaign office, except for mobile, portable, and banner signs
• A single election sign displaying the words “Campaign Headquarters” can be placed on private property
• Signs may be placed on a candidate’s campaign office once the candidate has filed their nomination with City Clerk

What can I do if a campaign has placed a sign on my lawn without my permission?

You can email Elections Markham at ElectionSigns@markham.ca to have us pick it up for you, contact the candidate whose sign it is to request they remove it, or dispose of it yourself.

A campaign has placed a sign on the city boulevard along my property, is that allowed?

Only if you gave them permission (if you are in a residential area). If you are along an arterial road at an intersection, it may be what we call a “permitted intersection.” Email Elections Markham at ElectionSigns@markham.ca to find out if that's the case.

How many signs can I have on my lawn?

As long as you only have 1 sign per candidate and those candidates are registered to run in your location, you can have as many as you would like.

Where do I report any suspected infractions or safety issues pertaining to election signs?

Email Elections Markham at ElectionSigns@markham.ca to submit a complaint. Elections Markham will conduct a site inspection and rectify the situation.

When are election signs allowed to be up?

For the 2022 Markham Municipal Election, election signs are allowed to be up 28 days prior to Final Voting Day (October 24). When it comes to provincial and federal elections, signs can go up the day after the writ has dropped (election has been officially called).

Are signs allowed on the City boulevard in front of homes?

Yes, signs are allowed on the City boulevard in front of residential homes that have given permission.

What are some common violations to look out for?

• Candidates are allowed 2 signs per designated intersection and 1 one per corner
• Residential homes are allowed 1 one sign per candidate, per property.

For more rules and regulations please refer to the Markham Election Sign Bylaw 2018-8 [PDF]

After the election, when should all the signs be gone?

Candidates have 72 hours after the election to remove all of their signage across the City of Markham. If you see any signs still up after this time, please contact ElectionSigns@markham.ca with details.

Signage along the north side of Steeles Avenue is not following the City of Markham guidelines, what can be done?

Both the north and south sides of Steeles Avenue are maintained and controlled by the City of Toronto. Please consult their rules and issue any questions and/or complaints to 416-392-CITY (2489).

I’ve witnessed someone vandalizing/destroying/stealing election signs who do I speak to?

Theft and vandalism is a criminal offence and should be directed to the York Regional Police Non-Emergency Line at 1-866-876-5423.