At its March 10 meeting, Lake of Bays Council approved an update to its election sign bylaw in preparation for municipal elections scheduled for October 26, 2026.
The election sign bylaw applies to all elections—federal, provincial, and municipal— and regulates the placement and removal of election signs in the Township of Lake of Bays.
The bylaw, which was reviewed by the Muskoka Clerks group, is consistent across Muskoka with one notable exception, said Carrie Sykes, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk. Unlike the Muskoka towns of Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Huntsville, which do not allow election signs on public properties or right of ways, the three Muskoka townships—Lake of Bays, Muskoka Lakes, and Georgian Bay—do.
“Our communities are predominantly rural and situated along provincial highways and township roads, where municipal property and road allowances make up much of the available, visible roadside space. Implementing such a prohibition would significantly disadvantage candidates and third party advertisers by limiting their ability to communicate with voters along the primary travel corridors through our region. In our view, this restriction would have an unintended and detrimental impact on fair and accessible campaigning. Campaigning is the most vital means of candidacy outreach,” stated Sykes.
She said the Township’s bylaw enforcement department has also reviewed the bylaw, provided feedback, and is in full support of both the administration and enforcement of the bylaw.
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