A Candidate Information Package is under development that will provide prospective candidates with additional information about running for Spruce Grove City Council. When finalized, this document will be available electronically on the election website and by paper copy at City Hall.

Important dates

• Election signs can be displayed starting 12 p.m. on Monday, September 20, 2021 (Nomination Day).
• All election signs must be removed by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2021.

What makes a sign an election sign?

There is no such regulation that governs to that level of specificity. The broader question is “what purpose is the sign being displayed for?” If the answer is “due to the election”, then the City is interpreting it as an election sign. A sign is a tool to advertise. An election sign is specific to the election event.

An election sign is one that a candidate would create and put in place on a vehicle, in a median, in a window, etc.

Advertising on an existing static or video billboard is not considered an election sign as the billboard has already gone through the development permit process with the City. Other legal means of advertising, such as in the newspaper, or through social media, t-shirts, and other printed materials such as door knockers, door hangers, brochures and pamphlets, also do not constitute signage.

How are signs regulated and were do election signs fit in?

Regulations in the City’s Traffic Bylaw and Land Use Bylaw aim to provide for an orderly, safe, and efficient environment for our residents. For example, signage in commercial areas is limited to one per 90m of frontage, while in low density residential areas, only a few types of signs are allowed, such as real estate signs or those with warning messages (like “beware of dog”).

The City’s typical regulations and approval processes for signs would be overly prescriptive during a municipal election, and the City recognizes that. Therefore, the Land Use Bylaw includes a single clause that states election signs can be displayed without a permit commencing at noon on Nomination Day (September 20, 2021) and for five days following an election.

Candidates should refer to the details on the Election Sign Acknowledgment Form or a full and complete list of regulations regarding election signage. The points below highlight recent changes to the City’s election sign regulations:

• Election signs of a specific size are now allowed in grassed medians and on private property (with the consent of the property owner), with the exception of the median along Highway 16A or any hard surfaced median. A grassed median means a median or portion of a median that is covered in grass or turf. Signs cannot be placed in other types of groundcover, shrubs or landscaping to limit damage to medians.
• When placing election signage in a grassed median, candidates must comply with the City’s Traffic Bylaw by parking in a legal parking space and accessing a median by crossing at an intersection.

What about vehicle decals or magnetic signs on vehicles?

The sign regulations of the Land Use Bylaw govern signs in general and the election signs in particular. Vehicle signs or decals on a car are addressed in the bylaw. They are defined in section 95 and referred to in section 113.

A vehicle sign is one that can be attached to or painted on vehicles for the purposes of advertising. The exception is the normal day-to-day use for a business. Section 113 prohibits vehicles signs in the City. The sign regulations can be referenced here.

In addition, candidates should ensure any vehicle election signage doesn’t contradict the Province of Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act.

Election Sign Acknowledgement Form

To assist candidates in understanding election sign requirements, the City has provided requirements, including size and important dates, within the Election Sign Acknowledgment Form.

Candidates who wish to post election signs within City of Spruce Grove limits must ensure they have read and signed this document. Completed Election Sign Acknowledgment Forms must either be mailed to Planning and Development, 315 Jespersen Avenue, Spruce Grove, AB, T7Z 3E8, dropped off at the City Hall drop box located at the east doors of 315 Jespersen Avenue,  or emailed to permits@sprucegrove.org.

Questions?

Candidates or residents who have questions about election campaign signage can contact the Returning Officer.

Further information for candidates will be available in early 2021.

Learn more about election processes using resources from the City of Spruce Grove, Alberta Municipal Affairs, and the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association.

City policy, guides and tools

• C-1073-19 – Elections Bylaw
• Policy 6,039 – Use of Municipal Resources for Election Campaigns
• Candidate Information Package - coming soon
• Nomination Information Package
• Election sign guidelines

Election forms

• Form 4 - Nomination Paper and Candidates Acceptance
• Form 5 - Candidate Information

Other resources and events

• Alberta Municipal Affairs municipal election website
• Alberta Queen’s Printer
• Alberta Urban Municipalities Association
• Local Authorities Election Act
• Municipal Government Act