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1. What are the rules regarding illuminated signs?

In Sign Bylaw No. 7630 – 2020, the definition of ‘illuminated sign’ include direct or indirect illumination – this means a light incorporated into the sign or shining at it. Several sections of the sign bylaw site the ‘illuminated sign’ definition, including sections that require drawings to be submitted to the Chief Building Official of such signs, prohibition on portable signs of this nature, and prohibition on these signs being in residential neighborhoods.

Section 13.7.1(d) states that a portable freestanding sign shall not be energized by any means other than that approved under the BC Electrical Code. Additionally, section 8.2.1 has a specific prohibition on flashing, animated or chasing-border signs, digital videos or moving signs of any kind. Under the election signs section 13.11.1(g) the bylaw states that a sign is not to be illuminated.  This means that even if an illuminated sign would be permitted, by virtue of it being an election sign, if could not be an illuminated sign.

In the event illuminated sign would be permitted, in accordance with 11.2.1(f)(x), drawings would need to be provided to the Chief Building Official along with information on the means by which the illumination is to be accomplished. Schedule G, section G-9 prohibits illuminated signs from residential zones.

2. There is an illuminated election sign on the highway in Whonnock. Why is it allowed before September 25?

The City has looked into the location of the electronic message board and confirms that the sign is located on First Nations land, and therefore outside of the City's jurisdiction for regulating signs under Sign Bylaw No. 7630 – 2020.

Elections BC provides additional guidance pertaining to signs, and the electronic message board is not in contravention of the Campaigning Restrictions on General Voting Day set by the Province. You can review these guidelines here.

Page 48 of the guidelines states...
“Elections BC does not regulate where and when signs may be placed. However, local governments have the authority to regulate the size, placement, maintenance and removal of signs and other forms of public advertising.”

Page 27 the guidelines states...
"...an individual or organization must not transmit third party advertising to the public on General Voting Day (GVD), except: advertising on the internet as long as the advertising was transmitted to the public before GVD and was not changed before the close of voting. For example, if advertising must be purchased on a monthly basis and GVD is included in that purchase and cannot be removed, then the advertising will be permitted. It is not permitted to schedule advertising for GVD, such as paid Facebook posts.”

3. I have questions about my Campaign disclosure papers. Can you help?

Campaign disclosure papers are administered by Elections BC. Please contact them with your question(s).

Elections BC Tel: 1-800-661-8683

4. Can signs be put on Multi-Use Pathways?

Multi-use pathways are off-street pathways that are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic and can be used by any non-motorized user. This includes people walking, cycling, and using other forms of active transportation such as skateboarding, kick scootering, and in-line skating.  Multi-use pathways may also be referred to as shared-use pathways, multi-use trails, and boulevard multi-use pathways. Typically, multi-use pathways accommodate travel in both directions travel for all users, although there are some rare cases where bicycle travel may be in one direction only.

Third-party signs on multi-use pathways are not permitted because multi-use pathways are designed to have a specific minimum width for safety as outlined by best practices.

5. Can I leave candidate or elector organization material at the voting location?

No - Under Section 163(4)(c) of the Local Government Act it is an offence to post, display or distribute election advertising or any material that identifies a candidate or elector organization. Contravening this section carries a penalty of one or both of: a fine of not more than $5 000; imprisonment for a term not longer than one year.

6. Can I wear a T-shirt advertising a candidate when I go to vote?

No – Under Section 163(4)(d) of the Local Government Act it is an offence to carry, wear or supply a flag, badge or other thing indicating that the person using it is a supporter of a particular candidate, elector organization or result in the voting.  Contravening this section carries a penalty of one or both of: a fine of not more than $5 000; imprisonment for a term not longer than one year.