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Rules regarding election campaign signs

In response to a number of inquiries from residents, the City of Lacombe would like to remind everyone that election signs are allowed
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FULL SWING - Election campaign signs have taken over nearly every available piece of public land. This small green space next to the Lacombe Fire Department is no exception.

In response to a number of inquiries from residents, the City of Lacombe would like to remind everyone that election signs are allowed on both private and municipal property. However, candidates must have the private property owner’s consent to place a sign on their property.

“This has become an issue with residents because of the increase in the number of election signs in this election compared to previous elections,” said 2013 Election Returning Officer Michael Minchin.

The City’s Land Use Bylaw exempts election signs for municipal, provincial and federal elections from requiring a development permit. There are no restrictions on the number of signs a candidate can post.

The City does not allow election signage in or on Lacombe Memorial Centre property during Election Day – Oct. 21 – since the Lacombe Memorial Centre is the location of the City’s voting stations.

Election signs can be placed on municipal property, which include municipal lands, parks, and boulevards.

The only restrictions apply to location relative to roads to ensure that signs do not interfere with the orderly movement of pedestrians or vehicles, or within sightlines required under any City bylaw.

The province, school divisions and the federal government may have their own rules covering the placement of signs on their property.

The City does not regulate signs on these areas.

The government of Alberta has developed guidelines concerning signs along provincial highways. The City uses these guidelines for signs along the portions of Hwys. 2A and 12 within the City’s corporate boundaries. These guidelines can be found on the City’s election web site page (www.lacombe.ca ) or on the Alberta Transportation web site (http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType233/Production/elecsign.pdf.)

Candidates are responsible for removing their signs no later than 72 hours after the election day.

This includes the sign’s panel, support structure and any tie wiring used to install and support the sign.

Signs may need to be removed prior to the end of the campaign if they pose safety or operational hazards.

Signs that pose any immediate hazard or threat to safety must be removed immediately without notification of the campaign office.

- Vossen