New sign bylaw ‘enhances road safety’: Region
After more than 35,000 signs were removed from York Regional roads in a one-year period because they didn’t comply with a Regional Roads Bylaw, Council has approved an updated bylaw.
The Signs on Regional Roads Bylaw 2025-62 update clarifies sign rules, increases permit fees, and introduces location restriction and mandatory identifiers, all in a bid to enhance safety and compliance.
“York Region is committed to maintaining safe and accessible roads,” says Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe. “This balanced approach to amending the bylaw protects infrastructure, enhances road safety and supports business advertising while offsetting enforcement and program costs.”
The Sign Bylaw update addresses safety concerns like signs obstructing sightlines and interfering with transit stops and utilities, increasing non-compliance and deterring unapproved signs. It defines sign types and size requirements for business, real estate, development and election signs.
It also increases permit fees to offset the cost of managing the temporary sign program, including removal blitzes and regular patrols. It designates sign placement at roughly 700 designated intersections across the region, with maps and printable guides to be made available in January 2026 at york.ca/RoadPermits. Finally, it issues mandatory identifier stickers on permitted signs to ensure visibility and compliance.
Changes to the bylaw follow extensive consultation with local cities and towns, industry stakeholders and the public, and respond to Council’s direction to adopt a more progressive approach to managing signs on regional roads, the Region reports.
“Last year, more than 35,000 non-compliant signs were removed from Regional Roads,” says Town of Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas, chair of Public Works – Transportation Services. “Introducing new mandatory identifier stickers and restricting sign placement at over 700 intersections will make a big difference in keeping our roads safe. We’ll continue working with residents, businesses and local partners to communicate these changes.”
Between June 2024 and June 2025, York Region removed about 35,000 non-compliant signs. During the same period, 3,100 signs were permitted. The updated bylaw is effective January 1, 2026 and will be communicated further through newsletters, social media and outreach to residents, businesses and local partners. Existing permits under the previous bylaw will be valid until expiry. Learn more at york.ca/SignBylaw.
Photo courtesy of York Region.