New rules limit election signs in Prince George, B.C.
When the next municipal, provincial, or federal election is called, you might see fewer election signs in Prince George, B.C.
City council has passed a new bylaw that will limit where candidates can install political signs to designated city sites.
Walter Babicz, the city's general manager of administrative services, says the changes were developed to prevent the "nearly unrestricted use of the city-owned right of ways."
"Staff have received feedback from residents regarding a variety of issues ... including hazards such as distractions, blocked sight lines, and the general visual unsightliness of election signs," said Babicz.
"The intent here is to improve and simplify the [regulations] and to maintain the visual aesthetics of the city."
Most councillors supported changing the rules at a council meeting on Monday. "I don't particularly like political signs," said Coun. Jillian Merrick.
"If I had my way, [signs] would not exist at all," Merrick added.
Veteran Coun. Murry Krause said others agree. "People tire of, I guess, the proliferation of signs."
"It seems to come up again, and again, and again, and again," Coun. Garth Frizzell weighed in.
The only dissenting vote was from Coun. Frank Everitt.
"We're taking away some people's livelihood by limiting the number of signs. I don't think anybody's thought about that," said Everitt.
"I think that what we have works for people, and has worked for a lot of cities around our province."
Levelling the political playing field
In October 2016, the city of Quesnel implemented a bylaw that strictly limits candidates from posting more than six signs on public property.
Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson said the restrictions help level the political playing field so high-spending candidates can't flood the city with more signs than their rivals.
To hear more about the issue, click on Prince George council implements new election sign rules:
The Prince George bylaw designates 31 specific locations for election signs within the city's boundaries. Candidates would have to install them on a first-come, first-served basis — meaning once the lots are full, no other signs would be allowed.
The rules don't apply to areas near provincial highways, or privately owned properties.
For more stories from northern B.C., see Daybreak North.
