Delta council this week approved amendments to the city’s sign bylaw to restrict political signs to private property only. That means municipal, provincial and federal election signs are no longer to be placed along city streets, roadways or any other city-owned public spaces.
A staff report notes that political signs on public property have always been a source of discussion among local governments, city staff who enforce the bylaw, election officials, members of the public, businesses and candidates.
In response to complaints during the 2018 municipal election, the city three years ago amended the sign bylaw to restrict installation of political signs to 18 specific locations on public property.
During the 2022 municipal election, concerns and complaints continued regarding political signs on public property including, among other concerns, the proliferation of campaign signs on public land as well as the vandalism and destruction of signs.
As a result, city council has approved further amendments, joining several municipalities within Metro Vancouver, including the City of Vancouver, City of Surrey and Township of Langley, which have now prohibited political signs on public property.
Election and political signs on provincial highways, however, are regulated by the province.
Elections BC does not regulate where and when signs may be placed, other than the restriction that signs are not permitted within 100 metres from a voting place.
