The federal election campaign means there are a lot of signs out there for the various party candidates, but among those signs is something different – one that is prompting a lot of people to ask what is “WTF?

The “WTF” signs have been spotted across Barrie for the past week or so, but overnight dozens of them popped up in places like the Highway 400 off-ramp at Mapleview Drive.

The sign have also been spotted in the area around Tiffin Street and Anne Street, as well as Essa Road and Fairview Road.

Officials with Elections Canada in Barrie are also curious and concerned about the signs because they're the same colour as the signs they uses, usually to signify where polling stations are located.

Others aren't amused either. Barrie bylaw officers were out early on Tuesday taking some of the signs down.

“We have received a couple complaints because of the verbiage on the sign, but our officers were already removing them this morning when they were noticed,” says Jason Forgrave of the city’s bylaw office.

Forgrave says that any signs being put up, which aren't approved by the city will be taken down.

Someone hoping that doesn’t happen is Ethan Witherspoon. He is the owner of Wiring the Future and uses the abbreviation "WTF" for his company. Witherspoon says he's loving the all the free publicity he's getting because of the signs.

“This is sort of a restart for our company. We’re trying to get things going again so it’s great. I’m kind of liking it, that someone is advertising for our business. Any little bit helps.”

There are radio ads telling listeners to visit a website featuring the “WTF” message.

"There's something big coming to Simcoe County. Be prepared. It could change your life. Come back on September 4th at 7 a.m. to find out what everybody's talking about."

It’s unclear who is behind the “WTF” signs or what the announcement will be next week.