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Elections Act – Campaign Signs & Electioneering

April 1, 2025

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Elections Act – Campaign Signs & Electioneering

When a federal election is called, questions often arise about whether residents can display election signs in windows, on balconies, or on patios. Under the Canada Elections Act, residents have the legal right to display federal election signs on their own private property, such as windows, balconies, and patios. A strata corporation cannot prohibit this.

While strata’s cannot ban election signs outright, they can set reasonable restrictions on:

The size and placement of signs.
The duration signs can remain up.
Safety considerations (e.g., signs not blocking exits or railings).

Stratas can also pass a rule to restrict or prohibit signs on common property (e.g., lobbies, hallways). Many strata corporations already have bylaws limiting what can be placed in or on windows, balconies, or patios. However, during a federal election, these restrictions must be balanced with residents' rights under the Elections Act.

Location Restrictions

Common Property: Strata can prohibit signs by creating a rule or bylaw.
Windows / Balconies: Strata cannot prohibit signs but can set reasonable conditions related to size or type by creating a bylaw.

Regarding the timeframe for the placement and removal of election signs, it is determined by each local municipality, district, or city. Signs can typically be placed the day the writ is issued and must be removed between 48 hours to one week after the election.

Electioneering & Campaigning

Regarding electioneering and campaigning, the Elections Act states that the strata corporation must not unreasonably restrict access to residential property by a candidate or authorized canvasser from canvassing at the doors to the apartments or units between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Nor can the strata corporation prevent campaigning in common areas.

Strata councils should have a plan if these requests arise. As keys and fobs are often needed to gain access to the lobby or floors, it may be best for councils to establish a place, date, and time for these activities to take place. Have someone available to allow access and notify the residents of the event, especially if knocking on doors is going to occur. It is recommended that instead of door-to-door campaigning, the strata councils determine a place on common property, such as a lobby or meeting room, for residents to attend.