In November 2022, Brampton’s city council unanimously approved an amendment to the city’s sign by-law, restricting election signs on private property to window displays only. This decision aimed to address resident complaints about visual clutter, environmental concerns, and sign tampering.
However, the amendment faced significant public backlash and legal challenges. The Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) argued that the ban infringed upon residents’ rights to free expression, particularly political speech, and threatened legal action against the city.
Mayor Patrick Brown acknowledged the concerns, stating that legal advice indicated such a ban could violate freedom of expression rights. Consequently, the council decided to rescind the amendment, allowing residents to display election signs on their lawns once more. Brown emphasized the importance of balancing aesthetic concerns with the fundamental right to political expression.
This reversal highlights the complexities municipalities face in regulating election signage, as they must consider both community standards and constitutional rights.