Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign: City Asks Businesses to Reclaim Their Rogue Advertisements
Business Owners Have 30 Days to Retrieve Signs Removed for By-law Violations
Business owners in West Nipissing are being asked to reclaim their removed advertisements after a municipal crackdown on unauthorized signage placed on public property. The Municipality has issued a reminder that using municipal property and road allowances for solicitation is not permitted.
By-law Enforcement Officers have recently taken down numerous signs affixed to hydro poles, streetlights, and trees along roadways, citing safety and regulatory concerns. The removed advertisements are being held for a limited time, and affected businesses have been given 30 days from January 30, 2025, to retrieve them by contacting the Municipal Office.
The enforcement follows the municipality’s By-law 2018/76 on Signs and Advertising, which stipulates that building permits and lease agreements are required for larger signs on both private and municipal property. While smaller advertisements may not need a permit, they must be displayed on private or commercial property with the owner’s consent. Additionally, no signage is allowed to obstruct traffic visibility, fire hydrants, water drainage systems, or other essential emergency and utility infrastructure.
According to the by-law, signs will be store for no more than 30 days. Owners who wish to reclaim them, will have to pay a $100 charge for the removal of the sign plus $10 per day for storage costs.
Business owners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the by-law to avoid potential fines and future removals. F
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