York to pick up illegally posted election signs

With the provincial election campaign under way, staff from York Region's roads transportation branch will be removing election signs that are illegally placed on Regional roadways.

The Region's sign bylaw allows for the posting of election signs along Regional roadways during an election period, but their placement is subject to several guidelines, used to protect drivers and pedestrians.

They include the following restrictions: • Signs must be in proper repair and not exceed four feet by four feet. • Only one sign per candidate may be placed per intersection corner. • Signs may not be placed on traffic medians. •Signs must be at least five metres (17 feet) from fire hydrants, transit shelters and bus stops.

A full listing of the election sign guidelines can be viewed on the York Region Web site at www.york.ca These guidelines have also been sent to all candidates' offices.

Signs that do not comply with the Region's bylaw will be removed and taken to one of five works yards. They can be re-claimed throughout the election period. Unclaimed signs will be disposed of 72 hours after the election date. Corrugated plastic signs will be recycled. The Region will offer special drop-off day Oct. 13. Candidates and campaign team members are welcomed to drop off corrugated plastic election signs at York's Waste Management Centre from a.m. to 2 p.m.

The centre is located at 100 Garfield Wright Blvd. in East Gwillimbury. All signs being delivered must have all fasteners, wood or metal stakes and wires removed. If any piece of wood or metal remains attached to the signs, the delivery will not be accepted. Plastic film election signs will not be accepted.

The Region asks that campaign offices not drop off any other recyclable materials, such as fine paper with the election signs.

Recycling of corrugated plastic signs occurred during the last election and successfully diverted more than four tonnes of waste from landfill.