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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLGS-031-25Staff Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: General Government Committee Date of Meeting: September 8, 2025 Report Number: LGS-031-25 Authored by: Kristina Bergeron, Manager of Municipal Law Enforcement Submitted By: Rob Maciver, Deputy CAO/Solicitor, Legislative Services Reviewed By: Mary-Anne Dempster, CAO Resolution#: File Number: By-law Number: Report Subject: Election Sign By-law Review Recommendations: 1.That Report LGS-031-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; 2.That the By-law attached to Report LGS-031-25, to repeal and replace the Election Sign By-law 2016-004 and amendments, be approved; and 3.That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-031-25, and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision. Municipality of Clarington Page 2 Report LGS-031-25 Report Overview Staff are recommending administrative enhancements to the Election Sign By-law to provide clarity and protection to residents. While the core rules and regulations remain unchanged, the by-law has been reorganized to enhance clarity and flow. Improvements to the layout and wording will help candidates, their agents, and citizens better understand election sign regulations in Clarington. 1. Background Why do we Regulate Election Signs? 1.1 Subsection 11(3)(7) of the Municipal Act states that: A lower-tier municipality and an upper-tier municipality may pass by-laws, subject to the rules set out in subsection (4), respecting matters within the following spheres of jurisdiction: “structures, including fences and signs”. 1.2 The Election Sign By-law regulates election signs, both on private and public property, specifically, the location, size and timing for which signs are allowed to be installed. The by-law places the responsibility on a candidate, their agent or any representative of a candidate, or registered third party for compliance with the By-law related to election signs. 1.3 Election Signs: Municipality of Clarington Page 3 Report LGS-031-25 1.4 It is important that election signs: Current By-law 1.5 The current Election Sign By-law, By-law 2016-004, was passed arising out of the Election Sign By-law Report CLD-004-16. The current by-law separated the “election sign matters” from Clarington’s Sign By-law and has been amended several times since. It applies to elections at all three levels of government. 1.6 At least once every term of Council, preferably well before the regular Municipal Elections, the Election Sign By-law is reviewed, and changes are recommended to Council. 1.7 The last review took place in 2021, with Report LGS-023-21, to reflect the delegation of authority from the Region to the lower-tier municipalities, as well as some housekeeping measures. 1.8 Since the passing of the 2016 by-law, there have been several by-elections, three general Federal Elections, two Provincial Elections, and two municipal elections. Additionally, there have been changes in how Clarington handles fees. Based on those experiences, Staff are recommending administrative updates to the current by-law. 2. Review of Election Sign By-law General 2.1 It is important to recognize that election signs remain an important communication tool for many candidate’s campaigns, although candidates are increasingly relying on social media. Signs play a role in making the public both aware of the candidates and signal that there is an upcoming election. Municipality of Clarington Page 4 Report LGS-031-25 2.2 The review of the Municipality’s Election Sign By-law has been conducted with the following goals in mind: 2.3 To achieve these goals, the By-law was reviewed and benchmarked against other municipalities based on but not limited to the following provisions: 2.4 Staff have not considered a municipal-wide prohibition of election signs. Although some municipalities have banned election signs on public road allowances, our approach retains these allowances with sensible placement regulations to balance public safety, sightlines, and visual aesthetics while ensuring candidates can still advertise. Municipality of Clarington Page 5 Report LGS-031-25 2022 Municipal Election Experience 2.5 During the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections, the Municipality enforced the Election Sign By-law on both a complaint-driven and proactive basis. The Municipal Law Enforcement (MLE) received 36 complaints related to election signs and removed 101 election signs. 2.6 The most common reasons for election sign removal were placement of signs within a visibility triangle and the placement of signs too close to other signs for the same candidate, followed by placement of election signs outside the allowed time frame. 2.7 During the 2024 Federal by-election, the Municipality removed 290 election signs. The common violations being: signs erected without registering and paying deposit, signs within a visibility triangle, signs too close to other signs of the same candidate, followed by signs not being removed 48 hours after election day. 2.8 An updated Election Sign Guidance document was provided to candidates upon registering, summarizing the regulations and removal fees. Commonly observed violations included signs erected without registering and paying the deposit, signs within a visibility triangle, and signs too close to other signs of the same candidate. 2.9 Stakeholders indicated that the sign recovery regulations and process were difficult to interpret. Specifically, the requirement to issue invoices only after a 6 1-day period created challenges for candidates attempting to retrieve confiscated signs within the designated timeframe. The delay in invoicing meant candidates were unable to complete the recovery process promptly, leading to confusion and inefficiencies. The cost and election sign recovery (now found in Section 7) was updated to remove the fixed timeline restriction for invoicing. The update would allow for invoicing to be completed as soon as practicable after all infractions have been resolved. 2.10 Consistent with the provincial election, the most observed violations included erecting signs without registering or paying the required deposit, placement of signs within visibility triangles, and signs positioned too close to other signs belonging to the same candidate. 2.11 Notably, the number of violations observed during the federal election was significantly lower compared to the provincial election. Municipality of Clarington Page 6 Report LGS-031-25 Third Party Advertisers 2.12 The introduction of the concept of “Third Party Advertisers” to the Municipal Elections Act (MEA) in 2016 could have had the possibility of increasing the signs although it has not gotten much use in Clarington and therefore hasn’t affected the volume of signs, yet. 2.13 One third party advertiser displayed signs during the Federal by-election in 2024. When is a Candidate a Candidate? 2.14 During the recent federal by-election, confusion arose regarding the timing of when a candidate may submit their election sign deposit. Due to the compressed timelines typical of by-elections, candidates often prepare signage in advance and seek to submit deposits prior to the official commencement of the election period. However, the existing Election Sign By-law did not define when an individual officially becomes a candidate, leading to uncertainty and inconsistent practices. 2.15 To address this issue, Section 4.2 of the draft by-law now provides clear direction on when election signs may be displayed and when deposits must be submitted. Specifically:  Federal or Provincial Elections/By-elections: No election sign may be displayed prior to the issuance of the Writs of Election.  Municipal Elections: Election signs may not be displayed until the candidate has filed their nomination with the Municipal Clerk, or in the case of a registered third party, has registered with the Clerk.  Deposit Requirement: In all cases, no election sign may be displayed without first registering and submitting the election sign deposit fee, including any applicable accrued costs as outlined in Schedule “A”. 2.16 This clarification ensures consistency in enforcement and provides candidates with a transparent framework for compliance, particularly in time -sensitive election scenarios. Fees 2.17 In keeping with the administrative fee structures established in other regulatory by-laws, such as the Property Standards By-law 2007-070, Boulevard By-law 2013-066, and Site Alteration By-law 2024-017, a 25% administrative fee has been incorporated into the fee schedule. This fee will be applied exclusively in instances where the Municipality is required to remove a sign located on private property due to non-compliance following the issuance of a notice. All other fees remain unchanged from the previous by-law. Municipality of Clarington Page 7 Report LGS-031-25 2.18 The fee structure remains reasonable and aligned with practices in other municipalities, ensuring fairness while supporting effective enforcement. Definition Updates and Additions 2.19 The following table outlines the updates made to the definitions . Original Definition Updated Definition Display Expanded to include install, build, construct, reconstruct, move, place, and affix for clarity and enforcement. Person Updated for consistency with other regulatory by-laws. Public Park & Public Utility Pole Removed; restrictions now addressed directly in Sections 4.7(j) and 4.18. Public Works Department Removed; term not referenced in the by-law. Zone and Urban Area Removed; terms not referenced in the by-law. New definitions added Election Assistance Centre (EAC) – Reflects new electronic voting practices. Expense – Enables recovery of costs related to sign removal from private property. Sign By-law – Added for cross-referencing purposes. Summary of Key Revisions to the Election Sign By-law: 2.20 The following table outlines the key revisions found in the draft by-law. Current Provision Revised Provision References, Word Usage, Severability, Application, and Schedule Sections . Consolidated into a dedicated “Administration” section (Section 3) for improved organization and clarity. Deposits Required section are found towards the end of the by-law. Consolidated into a dedicated “Administration” section (Section 3) for improved organization and clarity. Section 10.1 – No consent required to display signs on the boulevard adjacent to residential property. Section 4.8 – Updated to require property owner consent for displaying signs fronting residential properties. Municipality of Clarington Page 8 Report LGS-031-25 Current Provision Revised Provision No previous provision. Section 4.17 – Introduced a new requirement for safety caps on rebar to promote public safety as a best practice. Section 25 – Restriction for parking a vehicle displaying an election sign within a one block radius of the Municipal Administrative Centre at 40 Temperance Street Bowmanville, on the voting day of a Municipal election. Section 4.19 – Expanded vehicle election sign restrictions to include Election Assistance Centres (EACs) and all voting places. Section 17 and 17.1 – Private Property regulations. Sections 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 – Removed the term “reasonable” size due to enforcement challenges. Maximum size limits remain unchanged and are detailed in Section 4.16. Section 32. – Deposits (less deductions) returned 61 days after Voting Day. Section 7.4 – Deposit may be refunded at the discretion of the Manager of Municipal Law Enforcement or designate, once all infractions are resolved. No fixed timeline; more flexible and enforcement-driven. Section 39. – Confiscated signs required to be stored for minimum 30 days; however, error in wording provides allowance for redemption “during this period” which is contradictory. The intent of the provision was to act as a deterrent to placing signs in violation of the by-law. Section 7.5 – Signs may be retrieved during regular business hours within 30 days of the issuance of an invoice or deposit refund, provided all outstanding fees have been paid in full. Retrieval will not be permitted prior to the issuance of the invoice or refund. Any signs not claimed within the 30-day period will be considered forfeited and will be disposed of by the Municipality. Sign Disposal Timeline - Signs held for more than 60 days may be destroyed. Disposal timeline is no longer explicitly stated; instead, signs not retrieved within 30 days are forfeited, streamlining the process. 3. Financial Considerations 3.1 No additional staffing or financial resources are required. The updated cost and election sign recovery provisions simplify invoicing and reduces potential disputes, likely enhancing efficiency in enforcement and administration . Municipality of Clarington Page 9 Report LGS-031-25 4. Strategic Plan C.2.5: Support the proactive management of community safety and well-being. 5. Climate Change Not applicable. 6. Concurrence Not Applicable. 7. Conclusion It is respectfully recommended that Council repeal By-laws 2016-004, 2017-091, 2018- 045, 2018-062, 2018-092, and 2021-074 and pass the draft by-law in replacement. Staff Contact: Kristina Bergeron, Manager of Municipal Law Enforcement, kbergeron2@clarington.net. Attachments: Attachment 1 – Draft Election Sign By-law Interested Parties: There are no interested parties to be notified of Council's decision. Attachment 1 to Report LGS-031-25 By-law YYYY-NNN Election Sign By-law Page 1 of 12 If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. The Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington By-law YYYY-NN Being a By-law to regulate the placement of election signs in the Municipality of Clarington Whereas subsection 11(3) paragraph 1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended authorizes the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington to pass by-laws respecting highways over which it has jurisdiction; And whereas subsection 11(3) paragraph 7 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended authorizes the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington to pass by- laws respecting signs; And whereas subsection 63(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended authorizes the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington, if it passes a by - law for prohibiting or regulating the placing of an object on a Highway, to provide for the removal of any object placed on a Highway in contravention of that by-law; And whereas, arising out of Report LGS-031-25, Council has determined that it is appropriate, desirable and necessary in the public interest to regulate election signs and to repeal and replace By-law 2016-004 and its amendments; Now therefore the Council of the Municipality of Clarington enacts as follows: 1. Short Title 1.1 This By-law may be referred to as the “Election Sign By-law”. 2. Definitions 2.1 In this By-law: “campaign office” means a building or portion of a building which is used by a candidate, as their administrative office or offices for an election; "candidate" shall have the same meaning as in the Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, Attachment 1 to Report LGS-031-25 By-law YYYY-NNN Election Sign By-law Page 2 of 12 c. 9, the Election Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E. 6, or the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32 as applicable, and shall be deemed to include a person or an agent for a registered person seeking to influence another person to vote for or against any question or by-law submitted to the electors; “Deputy CAO” shall mean the Deputy CAO of Legislative Services or their designate; “display” means to: attach, install, erect, build, construct, reconstruct, move, place, affix or maintain; “election” means any federal, provincial or municipal election and any question or by- law submitted to the electors and includes an election to a local board or commission; “election assistance centre (EAC)” means a building/property, location, structure, or grounds/part of a building/property, or other facility designated by the Municipal Clerk at which eligible voters may attend in-person to seek assistance with voting and/or to vote in the Municipal Elections. The boundaries of the EAC are the boundaries of the property where the EAC is located and includes the parking lot. EACs have the same meaning as “voting place” as defined in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32, Sched. "election sign" means any surface, including posters, billboards, advertising devices, and structures, which are used or capable of being used as a visual medium to attract attention or convey a message which advertises, promotes, opposes, or takes position with respect to any candidate or political party in a Federal, Provincial, or Municipal election or by-election, including an election of a local board or commission, is intended to influence electors to vote for or against an issue associated with a candidate or political party in a federal, provincial or municipal election or by-election, or is intended to influence electors to vote for or against any candidate or any question, law or by-law submitted to the electors under the Canada Elections Act, the Election Act, or the Municipal Elections Act; Attachment 1 to Report LGS-031-25 By-law YYYY-NNN Election Sign By-law Page 3 of 12 “expense” means the cost of carrying out the work to be done by the notice pursuant to Section 6.3 and an administrative charge as outlined in Schedule “A”; "highway" shall have the same meaning as the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.H.8, and includes unopened road allowances; “Municipal Clerk” means the Municipal Clerk of the Municipality or a designate; “Municipality” means The Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington; “Officer" means an Officer appointed by the Municipality for the purpose of enforcing Municipal By-laws, any employee of the Municipal Public Works Division whose duties include enforcement of this By-law or a police officer while in the course of their duties; “person” means a natural individual, and their heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives, a corporation, partnership or other form of business association or a receiver or mortgagee in possession and includes a candidate, their agent or any representative of a candidate, or registered third party; “registered third party” shall have the same meaning as in the Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, c. 9, or the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32 as applicable ; “Sign By-law” means the Municipality of Clarington Sign By-law 2009-123, as amended, or its successor; “total sign height” means the total height of an election sign measured from grade to the top of the sign structure; “vehicle election sign” means any form of signage, poster or vehicle wrap placed on or attached to a vehicle to show support for a candidate or any question or by-law submitted to the electors and includes any motor vehicle, trailer or any vehicle as defined in the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.H.8, whether actively being operated on the highway or parked at any location; Attachment 1 to Report LGS-031-25 By-law YYYY-NNN Election Sign By-law Page 4 of 12 "visibility triangle" means a triangular-shaped area of land abutting a highway or private road that is required to be kept free of obstructions that could impede the vision of a pedestrian or the driver of a motor vehicle exiting onto or driving on the highway or private road; “voting day” means the day on which the final vote is to be taken in an election or by- election; “voting place” means the location where election ballots are collected and tabulated . 3. Administration 3.1 This By-law applies to all election signs within the Municipality. 3.2 Any reference in this by-law to any statutes, regulations or by-laws shall be deemed to be a reference to such statutes, regulations or by-laws, as amended, restated or replaced from time to time. Attachment 1 to Report LGS-031-25 By-law YYYY-NNN Election Sign By-law Page 5 of 12 3.3 This by-law shall be read and interpreted in conjunction with the Municipality’s Zoning By-law and Sign By-law, as amended. 3.4 Each section of this by-law is an independent section, and the holding of any section or part of any section of this by-law to be void or ineffective for any reason shall not be deemed to affect the validity of any other sections of this by-law. 3.5 Where a conflict exists between the provisions of this by-law and any other by-law regulating election signage within the Municipality, the provisions of this by-law shall prevail. 3.6 No person shall provide false information or give a false statement to an Officer, employee and/or agent of the Municipality in the lawful exercise of a power or duty under this by-law. 3.7 No person shall hinder or obstruct, nor attempt to hinder or obstruct, either directly or indirectly, an Officer, employee and/or agent of the Municipality in the lawful exercise of a power or duty under this by-law. 3.8 The provisions of this by-law shall not be construed as relieving or limiting the responsibility or liability of any person displaying any sign for personal injury or property damage resulting from the placing of such signs or resulting from the negligence or wilful acts of such person, or their agents or employees, in the display of such signs. 3.9 Schedule “A” is attached to and forms part of this by-law. 4. General Provisions 4.1 No person shall display, or cause the display, of any election sign except in accordance with this by-law. Attachment 1 to Report LGS-031-25 By-law YYYY-NNN Election Sign By-law Page 6 of 12 4.2 No person shall display or cause the display of an election sign, a) prior to the issuance of “W rits of Election” for a Federal or Provincial election or by-election, or more than 45 days prior to the first advance voting opportunity; b) in the case of a Municipal election, without first filing their nomination with the Municipal Clerk, or in the case of a registered third party, registering with the Municipal Clerk; and c) without first registering and making payment of the election sign deposit fee, plus any applicable accrued costs in excess of the deposit fee prescribed in Schedule “A”. 4.3 Despite sections 4.1 and 4.2 c) signs identifying a candidate’s campaign office may be displayed in accordance with section 4.2 a) and b) and the Sign By-law. 4.4 Election sign registrations shall be: a) in a form prescribed by the Deputy CAO and, b) accompanied by the election sign deposit fee prescribed in Schedule “A”. 4.5 Every election sign displayed, or caused to be displayed, by a candidate shall indicate the candidate’s name on the election sign. 4.6 Every election sign displayed, or caused to be displayed, by a registered third party shall indicate the name of the registered third party, the municipal, provincial, or federal body where the third party is registered, and a telephone number, mailing address, or e-mail address at which the registered third party may be contacted. Attachment 1 to Report LGS-031-25 By-law YYYY-NNN Election Sign By-law Page 7 of 12 4.7 No person shall display, or cause the display, of any election sign on any highway under the jurisdiction of the Municipality that: a) is within 1 metre from the edge of a curb or where there is no curb, within 2 metres from the edge of the travelled portion of the highway; b) is within a 500-metre radius of another election sign for the same candidate or registered third party; c) is on a median, traffic island, shoulder, central boulevard, or roundabout; d) is within 20 metres of a public mailbox; e) is within 3 metres of a school crossing or fire hydrant; f) is displayed in such a manner as to obstruct the vision of drivers or interfere with the visibility; g) impedes any sidewalk or walkway; h) simulates any traffic sign, traffic signal, any other sign that directs the movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or any other official sign; i) uses words such as “stop”, “look”, “one way”, “danger”, “yield” or any similar phrases, symbols, lights or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic; j) is affixed to public infrastructure, including but not limited to mailboxes, hydro poles, light standards, planters, benches, bus shelters, waste receptacles, or other utility infrastructure: or k) is displayed on, attached to, or supported by any tree, stone, or other natural object. 4.8 Notwithstanding Section 4.7 b), and subject to all other regulations of this By-law, election signs may be displayed within 500m of an election sign for the same candidate or registered third party where there is a residential dwelling fronting onto the portion of the highway where the election sign is displayed and where consent has been granted by an owner or occupant of said property. 4.9 Notwithstanding Section 4.7, a vehicle being lawfully operated on the highway may be used to display an election sign. 4.10 No person shall display, or cause the display, of an election sign on any fence or retaining wall if the election sign is visible from any highway that is under the jurisdiction of the Municipality or Regional Municipality of Durham. Attachment 1 to Report LGS-031-25 By-law YYYY-NNN Election Sign By-law Page 8 of 12 4.11 No person shall display, or cause the display, of an election sign with flashing lights, rotating parts, digital display units, animated lights, or any other form of animation or illumination. 4.12 No person shall display, or cause the display, of any election sign containing the Municipality’s logo, crest, or seal in whole or in part. 4.13 No person shall display, or cause the display, of an election sign on or in any premise used as an EAC or voting place, or that part of the highway that is adjacent to the EAC or voting place. 4.14 No person shall display, or cause the display, of an election sign within a visibility triangle. 4.15 Notwithstanding Section 4.14, subject to all other regulations of this by-law, if the visibility triangle from a driveway is intersected by a sidewalk, an election sign may be displayed on the boulevard side of the sidewalk provided it is no closer than 3.0 metres from the driveway. 4.16 No person shall display, or cause the display, of an election sign that exceeds a total sign height of 1.5 metres or has a width greater than 2.44 metres. 4.17 Where rebar, or any type of reinforcing steel or metal are used to support an election sign, all ends, not including the end inserted into the ground, shall have high visibility safety caps installed that securely cover the exposed ends. 4.18 No person shall display, or cause the display, of an election sign on or in any property, building or structure that is owned, managed or otherwise under the legal control of the Municipality except on a highway in accordance with this By- law. Attachment 1 to Report LGS-031-25 By-law YYYY-NNN Election Sign By-law Page 9 of 12 4.19 No person shall park any vehicle election sign that promotes, supports or opposes a candidate or registered third party by either signs, vehicle wraps, or any other type of display advertising within a one block radius of an EAC, voting place, or the Municipal Administrative Centre at 40 Temperance Street Bowmanville. 4.20 No person shall display, or cause the display, of an election sign that promotes, supports or opposes a candidate outside the candidate’s ward or riding boundary, where applicable. 4.21 Where a road serves as a boundary between wards, candidates may only display election signs on private property on the side of the road within their ward /riding boundary. On municipal boundary roads, signs may only be placed on private property on the side of the road within the Municipality. 5. Private Property 5.1 A maximum of (1) election sign per candidate or registered third party is permitted to be displayed on private property. 5.2 Section 5.1 does not apply to a property used as a campaign office of a candidate. 5.3 No person shall display an election sign on private property unless: a) consent is provided by the property owner, tenant or occupant of the property; b) it does not interfere with the safe operation of a vehicle or impa ir the safety of pedestrians; c) it does not obstruct or impede any fire escape, fire exit, door, window, air intake or exhaust; or d) it does not prevent or impede emergency personnel access to a building, emergency water connection, or fire hydrants. 6. Removal 6.1 All election signs shall be removed by the candidate or registered third party no later than 48 hours after midnight on voting day for which the signs were displayed. Attachment 1 to Report LGS-031-25 By-law YYYY-NNN Election Sign By-law Page 10 of 12 6.2 Where an election sign has been displayed on or overhanging property owned by or under the jurisdiction of the Municipality or the Regional Municipality of Durham, in contravention of this By-law, an Officer may cause the election sign to be removed without notice or compensation. 6.3 Where an Election Sign is displayed on private property in contravention of this by- law, an Officer may forward a notice, by personal service, telephone or regular post, to the registered owner/lessee of the property, or owner of the election sign, or their agents, requiring that the election sign be removed within the time specified in the notice and thereafter not replaced with any election sign in contravention of this By-law or to alter the election sign to comply with this By-law. 6.4 If a notice is not complied with, an Officer may require Municipal employees, or an independent contractor to enter land and remove an election sign at the expense of the owner thereof, the person who permitted or caused the election sign to be displayed or the owner of the land on which it is situated. The Municipality, or their agents shall not be liable to compensate such owner or other person having an interest in the election sign for reason of anything done by or on behalf of the Municipality under the provisions of this By-law. 6.5 Every person shall comply with any notice issued under the authority of this By- law. 7. Cost and Election Sign Recovery 7.1 The Municipality may recover any expenses incurred in accordance with Section 6.4 by adding the expense to the tax roll and collecting it in the same manner as Municipal taxes. 7.2 Any election sign displayed in violation of this By-law, that is removed by the Municipality will result in a deduction from the election sign deposit fee, in the amount outlined in Schedule “A”. 7.3 If the value of signs removed exceeds the amount of the deposit, the candidate or registered third party shall be billed directly for the extra sign removals in accordance with the amounts outlined in Schedule “A”. 7.4 Deposits paid pursuant to this by-law, less any amount owing to the Municipality, may be refunded if in the discretion of the Manager of Municipal Law Enforcement or their designate there are no remaining infractions applicable pursuant t o this by- law. Attachment 1 to Report LGS-031-25 By-law YYYY-NNN Election Sign By-law Page 11 of 12 7.5 Upon payment of any outstanding applicable fees, a candidate, registered third party, or any individual acting on their behalf may make arrangements to retrieve the election sign during the Municipality’s regular business hours. This must be done within 30 days from the date of the invoice or the issuance of any remaining deposit refund. Any election sign not retrieved within the specified timeframe shall be deemed forfeited. 8. Offence and Penalties 8.1 Every person who contravenes any provision of this By-law is guilty of an offence and upon conviction is liable to a fine as provided for by the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter P.33, as amended. 9. Repeal 9.1 By-laws 2016-004, 2017-091, 2018-045, 2018-062, 2018-092, and 2021-074 are hereby repealed. That this by-law shall come into force and effect on the date it is deemed adopted. Passed in Open Council this XX day of MMMM, YYYY. _____________________________________ Adrian Foster, Mayor _____________________________________ June Gallagher, Municipal Clerk Written approval of this by-law was given by Mayoral Decision MDE-YYYY-XXX dated XXXX XX, YYYY. Attachment 1 to Report LGS-031-25 By-law YYYY-NNN Election Sign By-law Page 12 of 12 Schedule “A” Fee Schedule Service Fee HST included/ Exempt Unit Deposit Amount $250 Exempt Removal Fee: First 25 signs regardless of size $10.00 Exempt Per sign Removal Fee: Over 25 signs up to 0.56 m² (6 ft²) $10.00 Exempt Per sign Removal Fee: Signs over 0.56 m² up to 3 m² (32 ft²) $20.00 Exempt Per sign Removal Fee: Over 3 m² $30.00 or actual cost of removal, whichever is higher Exempt Per sign Administrative Charge 25% of the actual cost Included