“The bylaw is contrary to the Charter of Rights,” said Curran. “… This is a pretty serious matter.”

The Ward 6 candidate said he is disappointed by the subsequent lack of response from the city.

Burrows said city staff is working on the issue and will be responding to his request.

“The clerk is working with our legal department at this point and they haven’t responded yet to his inquiry, but they are looking into it actively,” she said.

Curran noted the city’s sign bylaw works against candidates, especially first-timers like himself who don’t have the name recognition of incumbents.

“You have to get your name out there,” he said. “Is there a happy medium from the 42 days that we’re currently permitted, which is not enough in a city like Burlington?”

*****

Following the recent provincial election campaign that saw hundreds of election signs removed from city property, bylaw enforcement staff will be focusing on educating candidates and their teams about where signs are permitted.

Election signs for federal, provincial or municipal elections cannot be placed on city property.

They are also not allowed along regional roads in Burlington.

Bylaw enforcement staff will remove signs that are improperly placed on city property.

Questions or complaints about municipal election signs can be made to the city’s bylaw enforcement department by calling 905-335-7731.