With consecutive elections looming, View Royal council is considering clamping down on the blizzard of political signs that is sure to blanket the town.
Council is looking at banning election signs on all municipal property to cut back on what some are calling “sign pollution” leading up to the polls in upcoming federal, provincial and civic elections.
Boulevards and street corners are expected to be plastered with candidate signs for three consecutive autumns, starting with the provincial election this October, a federal vote in 2025 and municipal elections in 2026.
“It does give me a sense of pride that we’re thinking differently,” said View Royal Mayor Sid Tobias.
The motion by Coun. Alison MacKenzie to amend the town’s election procedure and sign bylaws passed 5-2, with councillors Gery Lemon and John Rogers opposed, at a committee of the whole meeting this week.
It will go to a future council meeting for an official vote. The motion included a provision that allows only a general sign announcing upcoming elections on public land. Signs on private property would still be permitted, though owners would have to be mindful of the line between private and municipal land.
Tobias said the amended bylaw has environmental benefits, since it means fewer plastic signs.
“I’d be more than pleased to be the only one on Vancouver Island to start this trend,” said Tobias. “Other municipalities are almost there … I’d love to be that first.”
Lemon pointed out, however, that Oak Bay already restricts election signs on municipal land. The 1997 bylaw bans election signs that interfere with public infrastructure, and signs can’t be placed on trees or light posts, in parks or on public property.
The bylaw also says signs can’t be posted on boulevards in front of and connected to a parcel used for residential purposes without the consent of the property owner.
Tobias, who won the last civic election over David Screech, prided himself on not using election signs, instead relying on social media, going door to door and neighbourhood events.
“Let’s face it — the only people who are complaining where the signs are placed are [politicians],” said Tobias. “We’re to the point now, given the climate crisis and environmental concerns, and with the use of social media, we’ve just outgrown [signs].”
But Rogers voted against the motion, saying name recognition on signs may be the only way new councillors or politicians can be noticed, and suggested limiting the numbers of signs in each of the town’s 10 public sign zones.
Coun. Damian Kowalewich said he backs the spirit of the motion. “We’re not going to solve the world’s problem of sign pollution, but it may force the [Transportation Ministry] and the Capital Regional District to look at their own sign policies.”
MacKenzie said she was elected without using signs. Instead, she made T-shirts for herself and others to help in campaigning. “Hopefully people can get more creative.”
