Election campaigns are better heard and not seen.
That was the stance taken by West Vancouver Coun. Craig Cameron Monday night, as he called on his colleagues to support stricter rules on the “number, size, and location of election signs.”
Given the economic, environmental and esthetic impact of election signs, as well as the swell of signs that covered the district during the recent municipal election, Cameron called for new rules on election signs.
The only note of concern was voiced by Mayor Mary-Ann Booth, who suggested she was somewhat conflicted. While a more level playing field is desirable, fewer signs may exacerbate what is already a generally low voter turnout.
The motion was supported by Coun. Nora Gambioli, who cited the challenges of recyling old election signs as well as the generally unappealing site of proliferations of signs.
“It’s about time we limited the signs,” Coun. Bill Soprovich said, noting he’s used the same signs for 22 years.
Council voted unanimously to take a second look at the district's rules on election signs.
The rules may also apply to federal and provincial elections. District staff are slated to report back to council within 90 days.
Current regulations limit election signs to a size no greater than 32.29 square feet and no higher than 8.2 feet.
Applicants must pay $100 for a permit to erect election signs.
The district’s 33-page sign bylaw also bans revolving signs, banners, pennants, bunting, flags, balloons “or other inflatable devices,” open tube neon signs – albeit with a few exceptions – as well as roof and balcony signs mounted on the deck of a canopy.
The district also prohibits any “flashing, animated or chasing-border signs or moving signs . . . other than the plainly illuminated hands of a clock or temperature indication.”
Violations of the bylaw are punishable by a fine not exceeding $10,000 and not less than $2,500.
