York Region updates Signs on Regional Roads Bylaw

Newmarket – York Regional Council approved the Signs on Regional Roads Bylaw 2025-62 update to enhance safety and compliance.

“York Region is committed to maintaining safe and accessible roads,” said Eric Jolliffe, York Region Chairman and CEO. “This balanced approach to amending the bylaw protects infrastructure, enhances road safety and supports business advertising while offsetting enforcement and program costs.”

Key highlights of the Sign Bylaw update include:

• Addressing safety concerns like signs obstructing sightlines and interfering with transit stops and utilities, increasing non-compliance and deterring unapproved signs
• Defining sign types and size requirements for business, real estate, development and election signs
• Increasing permit fees to offset the cost of managing the temporary sign program, including removal blitzes and regular patrols
• Designating sign placement at approximately 700 designated intersections across York Region, with maps and printable guides to be made available in January 2026 at york.ca/RoadPermits
• Issuing mandatory identifier stickers on permitted signs to ensure visibility and compliance

Changes to this bylaw follow extensive consultation with local cities and towns, industry stakeholders and the public, and respond to Council’s direction to adopt a more progressive approach to managing signs on Regional roads

“Last year, more than 35,000 non-compliant signs were removed from Regional Roads,” said Town of Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas, Chair of Public Works - Transportation Services. “Introducing new mandatory identifier stickers and restricting sign placement at over 700 intersections will make a big difference in keeping our roads safe. We’ll continue working with residents, businesses and local partners to communicate these changes.”

Between June 2024 and June 2025, York Region removed approximately 35,000 non-compliant signs and 3,100 signs were permitted during the same period.

The updated bylaw is effective January 1, 2026, and will be communicated further through newsletters, social media and outreach to residents, businesses and local partners. Existing permits under the previous bylaw will be valid until expiry. Learn more at york.ca/SignBylaw

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.29 million residents and 57,000 businesses with approximately 624,000 employees. More information about York Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/RegionalServices

-30-

Media Contact

Melissa Pinto, Corporate Communications, The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 437-997-6821
Email: @email