Election Sign Guidelines

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.

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

• Town of Aurora
• Town of East Gwillimbury
• Town of Georgina
• Township of King
• City of Markham
• Town of Newmarket
• City of Richmond Hill
• City of Vaughan
• Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville

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 

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

Signs can only be recovered after the election and will be available for pick-up 72 hours after election day. 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:

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

Election Sign Recycling

Following the election, candidates are welcome to recycle coroplast (corrugated plastic) election signs at the York Region Waste Depots listed below. Please note, only coroplast campaign signs are accepted. Plastic film signs are not recyclable but can be dropped off as garbage for a fee. All fasteners, wood or metal stakes and wires must be removed prior to drop-off. For location details, visit york.ca/wastedepots or call 1-866-665-6752. Signs will be accepted at these locations for seven days following the election date.

Drop Off Locations, Dates and Hours

Elgin Mills Community Environmental Centre
1124 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill
1-866-665-6752

McCleary Court Community Environmental Centre
130 McCleary Court, Vaughan
1-866-665-6752

Georgina Waste Transfer Station
23068 Warden Avenue, Georgina
1-866-665-6752

*All depots closed civic and statutory holidays.

For more information please contact @email