Post-Election Sign Clutter: Calgary Bylaws Clarified Amid Resident Frustration

Lingering Signs Spark Community Frustration

Calgary residents are expressing growing frustration over campaign signs that continue to clutter public spaces weeks after the recent municipal election. A prominent social media post captured this sentiment, questioning city management's ability to clear "garbage" still taped to poles almost a month post-election.

Bylaws Mandate Swift Removal and Prohibit Pole Placement

The recent Calgary municipal election concluded on October 20, 2025. While public sentiment suggests nearly a month has passed, it has been 27 days since the polls closed. The City of Calgary's Temporary Signs on Highways Bylaw 29M97 explicitly dictates that all election signs on public property must be removed within 72 hours of the polls closing—a deadline that was October 23, 2025.

Furthermore, city bylaws are clear: election signs are strictly prohibited on street light poles, traffic signal poles, or any Calgary Transit structures, directly addressing a key public complaint. The City has since received over 1,110 service requests regarding lingering signs and acknowledges some were still present 21 days after the vote. Officials confirm they are actively addressing these complaints, with non-compliant candidates facing fines and removal costs.