INNISFAIL – The cost is going up for anyone who violates any section of Innisfail's election sign bylaw.
Citizens will be hit with a fine of $250, compared to the old fine of $100.
That is one change to the amended bylaw that was formally approved through three readings by town council at its regular meeting on March 10.
This bylaw applies to elections administered by Town of Innisfail under the provincial Local Authorities Election Act, school board elections under the provincial Education Act, and any elections administered by Elections Alberta and Elections Canada within Town of Innisfail.
On Feb. 3 the bylaw was brought before council by Erica Vickers, director of corporate services, to see if any changes were necessary for the upcoming general municipal election this coming October.
Election signs are allowed on any private homeowner locations with permission but the town also makes public space available during elections and brought forward five proposed locations on Feb. 3.
However, two locations raised concerns with council, notably at the 42nd Avenue and 50th Street intersection and along Lakewood Drive between 56th Street and the 50th Street connector by the Innisfail Cemetery.
Two council members, mayor Jean Barclay and current deputy mayor Gavin Bates, noted the “horrible” clutter of signs on the green space at the intersection of 42nd Avenue and 50th Street, and suggested it should be removed from the list.
Vickers told council on March 10 that location, the community's most popular and most visible election sign site, did pose a “traffic and safety risk.” and would be removed from the list of five proposed locations.
“It's a little bit too congested. It's really hard to put signs there and maintain your distance from other signs,” Vickers told council. “Council did direct administration to remove that location from the bylaw and review the remaining designated locations.”
She added the review was completed and found the four remaining locations suitable with no “identified” safety or visibility concerns.
That included the location near the cemetery.
Mayor Jean Barclay told council on Feb. 3 she received feedback from citizens that it was “disrespectful” to have election signs in the cemetery area.
“We left that for administration to look at and consider feedback they've received and obviously they felt it's fine to move forward the way it has been for many years,” Barclay told the Albertan on March 12. “And I'm fine with that.”
Vickers told council on March 10 that administration will actively monitor for complaints through the municipal election sign period, which starts Sept. 5 and runs until Oct. 23.
She said any concerns raised by the public or candidates will be reviewed.
Vickers said adjustments will be considered to maintain “fairness, safety and accountability.”
Council was also told about the introduction of digital election advertising.
Candidates can now use existing town-approved electronic signs for election advertising, such as the one facing Highway 2.
Vickers added digital advertising would not be allowed for any electronic sign on municipal buildings, such as the front exterior of the Innisfail Twin Arena.
