Election Sign Guidelines

August 04, 2026

This Election Sign Guide outlines the criteria set out in York Region’s Sign Bylaw. York Region’s Sign Bylaw No. 2025-62 was enacted by York Regional Council on December 11, 2025. This bylaw regulates the sign placement, duration and specifications on Regional roads.

Registration

A non-refundable Election Sign Permit fee may be applied per candidate in which candidates or third-party advertisers seek to install signs.

Each registrant is permitted a maximum of 50 election signs.

Apply for a Permit

Sign Size

Signs must be in proper repair and not exceed 1.22 metres (4 feet) high and 1.22 metres (4 feet) wide.

Sign Placement

Reference the Placement Restriction Diagram below

Signs are only permitted at designated intersections on Regional roads
Signs are permitted within 40 metres (131 feet) from the edge of the pavement of the intersecting road (10 metres less than the sign bylaw to prevent the need to measure from the centre line)
No candidate or registered third-party advertiser shall place more than one sign per intersection at permitted Regional intersections

It is encouraged that anyone installing signs have appropriate insurance to protect themselves and cover any costs related to potential damage to utilities, infrastructure or other incidents resulting from the installation of a sign. It is the sign installer’s responsibility to obtain any necessary utility clearances from Ontario One-Call.

Signs cannot be placed:

At any restricted intersections due to property constraints (see the sign restriction maps in the maps section)
In a location that impairs or obstructs the visibility of motorists or pedestrians or warning devices including railway, traffic or municipal signs
On any centre median, traffic island or centre boulevard within a road allowance
Within five metres (17 feet) from a fire hydrant, transit shelter or bus stop
Within three metres (10 feet) lateral distance from the edge of the road pavement or back of curb
Within 10 metres (33 feet) lateral distance from intersection or driveway pavement edge

If sign placement does not comply with the bylaw, signs will be removed for public safety.

Placement Restriction Diagram

Signs are only permitted at intersection corners on Regional roads, within 40 metres of the corners.
Note: Diagram not to scale.

View PDF of diagram

Designated Intersection Maps

View interactive map of designated locations

Installation and Removal of Signs

Installation and removal of signs is the responsibility of election candidates
Election signs for federal or provincial elections are permitted 24 hours per day, seven days per week starting from the day the election is officially announced
Election signs for a municipal election are permitted 24 hours per day, seven days per week during the period commencing at 10 a.m., starting 28 days before election day
72 hours following the close of the polls, all signs must be removed from the Regional road intersections
Election signs not abiding by York Region’s Sign Bylaw will be removed by York Region and may be held for a maximum of 30 days following the election. Election signs can be retrieved during this time at no cost to the candidate or third-party advertiser

Signs are permitted 4 weeks or date of election until 72 hours after election.

Election Sign Recycling

Within seven days of the election date, candidates can recycle coroplast (corrugated plastic) and plastic film election signs at the following York Region Waste Depots:

All fasteners, wood or metal stakes and wires must be removed prior to drop-off.

For location details and hours visit york.ca/WasteDepots or call 1-877-464-9675.

Safety Precautions

When installing/removing election signs, take proper safety precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of the public, including reducing driver distractions. Safety tips include:

All persons working near roadways shall wear reflective vests/bright clothing and safety footwear
Signs should be installed and removed between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., outside of peak travel times
Vehicles should be parked in such a way to minimize the impact to other motorists, pedestrians and cyclists
A road occupancy permit will be required if any lanes are blocked. Information about road permits is available on the Road Use and Road Sign Permits page
Stay clear of any maintenance or construction operations and equipment
Ensure signs are properly secured to avoid being blown away

Election Sign Recovery — By Appointment Only

To recover non-compliant signs, please contact us at 1-877-464-9675 or via email at @email and indicate the district centre where the signs where placed:

District Yard juristiction map. For a detailed description please call 1 877 464 9675 extension 75700.

Southwest District Roads Operations Centre
2850 Rutherford Road
City of Vaughan

Southeast District Roads Operations Centre
1700 Major MacKenzie Dr East
City of Richmond Hill

Central District Roads Operations Centre
16042 Woodbine Avenue
Town of Newmarket

North District Roads Operations Centre
3525 Baseline Road
Town of Georgina

Resources

For more information please contact @email