Lawn signs promoting or opposing issues are a fixture across the GTA.

So it was amid disbelief that Carol Trainor and Don Schmidt agreed to remove their two signs opposing the diesel train link to Pearson airport, after being told they’re illegal.

Two officers from the city municipal standards division arrived at their home in Bloor West Village last week to tell them the city had received a complaint. They would have to remove the signs — even though they’re on private property — or pay a $52 fine.

“They’re not hateful signs. They’re there to educate,” Trainor said of her pair of “Clean Trains Now” signs.

But at this point it’s not about the message, it’s about their right to have a sign at all. “It’s a freedom of expression thing,” she said.

The Toronto Municipal Code prohibits most temporary signs on public or private property without a permit. The only exceptions to this little-known bylaw are “for sale” and “open house” signs, election signs and those advertising a local event, such as a garage sale.

After receiving a notice of infraction, Trainor told the municipal officers that she’d have her son take down the signs by the end of the day.

Nope. The signs had to come down now, she says they told her, and took them down themselves before taking their leave.

“They were very polite,” said Trainor, “but they insisted.”

The officers also removed a sign next door and left the notice of infraction on the porch because the neighbours weren’t home, Trainor said.

Elizabeth Glibbery, acting director of city investigations services, contested Trainor and Schmitt’s account of the events, denying that city staff removed the signs themselves.

As for who complained, the couple doesn’t suspect their neighbours, who have used signs to oppose a mega quarry project and a Toronto casino.

When she asked who had made the complaint, Trainor was told the information is confidential.

“In this day and age, I don’t think it’s right that you can complain and not have to stand by the complaint,” she said.

Since the bylaw is only enforced if there’s a complaint, Trainor and Schmidt have erected a new sign, and defiantly await another visit from the city.

Exceptions to the lawn sign bylaw

Chapter 693-17 B of the Toronto Municipal Code prohibits all temporary signs without a permit unless the sign is:

An official sign required by or erected under a federal or provincial statute or a bylaw.

A real estate sign, if the sign is on the lot being advertised for real estate purposes and is removed within 30 days after the property is no longer for sale or lease.

An open house directional sign.

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A sign promoting citizen participation in religious, civic, charitable or non-profit activities and events, or advertising festivals and community events.

A garage sale sign.