Saanich council members decided Monday (Oct. 16) to maintain the district’s existing campaign sign rules by a narrow 5-4 margin after a call to cut down on the number seen during elections.
The motion had three parts and all three failed. Once this failed, it became clear that having large signs only at traffic light-controlled intersections would be impractical and that was voted down unanimously. The recommendation to not hold “burma-shave” campaign rallies was defeated 7-2, with only Councillors Mena Westhaver and Colin Plant in favour.
“It is likely there will be the same amount of signs (or more) as there was in 2022 where I felt there were too many in the public spaces of Saanich,” said Plant.
The report, recommended by Plant and Westhaver, sought to limit the size of election signage from four-by-four feet to two-by-two feet, similar to a lawn sign size, and limit the number of sign locations permitted.
Part of the intent of the proposal was to reduce sign size and “level the playing field” by ensuring all candidates could likely afford the smaller lawn signs that could be placed on public property.
“As there are no limits, those candidates with access to more funding will likely have more signs, bigger signs and in more locations,” said Plant
Proponents of the stricter regulations were that the signs contribute to visual clutter, impact road safety and can be distracting to drivers. On the other hand, those advocating for more lenient restrictions believe that campaign signs are an essential component of the democratic process, allowing candidates to connect with voters.
Westhaver added that the rule could improve the safety of Saanich roads, limit waste and save candidates who cannot afford signs from investing in a large quantity.
“The decision ultimately falls onto council as a whole, in which I respect the final outcome. Along with Coun. Plant, I was attempting to respond to concerns made by community members voicing their concern of ‘over-signing’ our municipality, wasting resources and visual pollution,” said Westhaver.
READ MORE: ‘Littered with signs’: Saanich councillors want stricter election policy