The filed record
Clarification on Municipal Licensing and Standards Poster Enforcement Policies and By-laws - Rules Governing Affixing and Removing of Posters
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The decision
2024-04-30 · Economic and Community Development Committee · amended
As filed
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Received the report (April 29, 2024) from the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards for information.
On the agenda
As the city filed it
City Council on March 20 and 21, 2024, referred Motion MM16.15 to the Economic and Community Development Committee for consideration. Article IV Posters on Public Property in Chapter 693 of Toronto Municipal Code defines the regulations that are required for placing community posters on public property. Sections 693-29 to 693-33 describes various restrictions and guidelines that are outlined in this policy. Posters from persons, charities, religious organizations, community organizations and schools may attach community posters on utility poles.
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However, even if a community poster complies with all these criteria, Section 693-34 implies that the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards is permitted to remove community posters at any time and without notice. There is a lack of clarity for how long a poster can remain on one site, who can remove it, and the policy reach on which matters of concern (such as missing persons, property, pets, or community event) are eligible content. It seems that if the flyers posted on utility poles are not community flyers, residents are encouraged to contact 311. Municipal Licensing and Standards will investigate and take appropriate enforcement action and undertake to have illegally placed poster(s) removed. Municipal Licensing and Standards will initiate removal of unauthorized posters by contacting the appropriate division/external agency. Other than the original sponsor of the poster, can any citizen remove a poster as a form of enforcement? What is the process for review of those posters that are seen by some as hate inspired?
Staff recommended
Councillor James Pasternak, seconded by Councillor Brad Bradford, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Manager and the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to review and clarify the policy for affixing and removing community posters, placed on utility poles, kiosks and other structures and report back to the Economic and Community Development Committee by July 2024.
On the record
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