Election Signs

Signs on Provincial Roads

The Province of Ontario has different regulations for election signs along its roads. For further information 
about election signs along Provincial roads, please contact the Ministry of Transportation Central Region 
Highway Corridor Management Section at 416-235-5385 or toll free at 1-866-636-0663.

In the Town of Whitby, the following roads are owned by the Province:

• Highway 7 west of Baldwin Street
• Highway 12 north of Garden Street
• Highway 401
• Highway 407
• Highway 412

Highway 401, 407, and 412
Highway 401, 407, and 412 are classified by the Province as Class 1 Freeways/Expressways and as such, election signs are not permitted on these highways, adjacent boulevards, or on-ramps and off-ramps.

Highway 7 and Highway 12
Highway 7 and Highway 12 are classified as Class 4 Major Highways and election signs are permitted adjacent to these highways subject to the following Provincial standards:

• Election signs may be erected on the right-of-way or adjacent to a Class 4 Major highway.
• Signs up to 0.7 m² (8 sq. ft.) in size must be placed a minimum of 4m (12 ft.) from edge of pavement. Signs over 0.7 m² (8 sq. ft.) must be placed at the outer limit of the highway right-of-way.
• An election sign must not be affixed to a permanent or an official sign, or to the guide rail or other highway structure or facility. It must not be placed where it may interfere with visibility, an official sign, traffic signal, or other safety device.
• Permits or Letters of Approval for any election signs erected are not required.
• Candidates shall be allowed three working days after Election Day to remove candidate advertising (election signs) from the Ministry of Transportation right-of-way and adjacent properties.
• Signs not retrieved by this time will be picked up by the Ministry patrol forces and stored in a safe place (patrol yard, etc.,) for a period of two weeks. After this time they will be disposed of.