Election signs aren’t allowed on public property

As Election signs are starting to appear across Mississauga as part of the municipal election scheduled for October 26, the City is reminding residents and candidates about the rules for election signs and how residents can report concerns.

Election signs are a common part of election campaigns and are permitted in Mississauga if they follow the City’s Sign By-law. Election signs do not need a permit.

These rules help keep roads, sidewalks and public spaces safe. They also help prevent visibility problems and other hazards.

Where election signs are not allowed

Election signs cannot be placed:

• On public property
• On or over utility poles and light standards, unless the sign is in an approved poster sleeve
• On traffic signs or other official signs
• Where they block sightlines at intersections
• Within 50 metres of a polling station
• Where they block the view of drivers or pedestrians
• Where they create a safety hazard
• On concrete or masonry noise barrier walls

How to report a concerning sign

Residents who believe an election sign does not follow the Sign By-law, can report it through the City’s online service form or call 311.

When making a report, include:

• The sign’s location
• The candidate’s name, if known
• A description of the sign
• Photos, if available

Residents are asked to not remove or move election signs on public property, but to contact the City.

Property owners may remove election signs from their own property if they did not give permission for the sign to be placed there.

What happens next

City staff will review each report of an illegal sign. If a sign does not follow the by-law, the City may remove it and may take further enforcement action, including laying charges under the Provincial Offences Act. City crews are also proactively patrolling the city and will remove illegally placed signs.

When an election sign is placed illegally and collected by City crews, there is a $20 per day per sign fee. For Election signs that are one square metre or larger, a sign removal fee of $200 per sign or the City’s actual cost of removing the sign (whichever is greater), also applies.

For more information about election sign requirements or to report a concern, please visit the City’s Municipal Election page.

Tags

• 2026-election
• Elections
• Enforcement and Fines