“Signs, signs, everywhere a sign.”

That popular lyric by the Five Man Electric Band pretty much sums up the situation in Brampton these days.

The city’s bylaw enforcement wing is asking residents to report nuisance signs posted illegally around Brampton after city staff removed a total of 26,677 from posts, walls and other public spaces last year.

“The City of Brampton is dedicated to creating distinct, lively spaces that help instil civic pride. Maintaining the quality of neighbourhoods is crucial to our image, and upholding community standards is a shared responsibility in which all Bramptonians have a role to play,” said director of enforcement and bylaw services Paul Morrison.

“That’s why we ask residents to report nuisance signs by calling 311, or by using the city’s Pingstreet app ‘Report a Problem’ feature to alert us of the bylaw infraction,” he added.

Morrison is also requesting residents not remove the signs themselves.

“The city discourages residents from removing illegal signs. In addition to health and safety concerns, removing these signs can impede the efforts of enforcement officers, as a thorough investigation is required to ensure compliance and successful prosecution when warranted,” he added.

The city said it laid 283 charges under its sign bylaw in 2017, resulting in total fines of $62,275.

There are certain exemptions including real estate signs or signs for temporary charitable events in some cases. However, most signs require a permit to be displayed on public property.

Residents are encouraged to review the city’s sign bylaw to ensure they are in compliance when posting any sign within city limits.