Shopping Centres & Plazas

Any permanent sign attached flat against the wall of a building.

• Maximum Size: Your total sign area cannot exceed 20% of the business's storefront wall face (Including the area of any Window Graphics).

• Location: Signs must be located on the ground floor level (unless the business occupies the whole building).

• Materials: Must be made of rigid, durable materials. Vinyl banners or flexible sheets attached with ropes/grommets are not permitted as permanent wall signs.

• Projection: Cannot project more than 0.6 m (2 ft) from the face of the wall.

Free-standing signs permanently anchored to the ground, typically used at plaza entrances to identify the centre and list major tenants.

• Maximum Size:

  • Single Face: Maximum 26 sq. m (280 sq. ft) per face.

  • Total Area: The total area of all ground signs cannot exceed 50% of the property’s total allowed sign area.

• Height: Varies based on the size of the sign face, ranging from 3.7 m (12 ft) to a maximum of 12.2 m (40 ft) for larger signs.

• Quantity: Maximum of two (2) ground signs per property.

• Separation: Signs must be at least 46 m (150 ft) apart.

• Setbacks: Must be set back from the street line (distance varies by sign size) and at least 15.2 m (50 ft) from any Residential, Park, Hospital, or School lot line.

Signs listing the tenants of a multi-unit industrial or commercial building (e.g., a list of offices at the entrance).

• Content: Must only identify tenants. Advertising specific goods or services on these boards is prohibited.

• Location: Permitted only on properties with at least two (2) distinct tenant units.

• Maximum Size: 6 sq. m (64.6 sq. ft).

• Maximum Height: 3 m (9 ft 11 in).

• Quantity: Limited to two (2) per entrance/exit.

• Updates: Tenant panels must be removed within 30 days of a tenant vacating.

Digital screens or manual "Read-O-Graph" signs with changeable copy, often integrated into a Pylon Sign.

• Maximum Size: The electronic/changeable portion cannot exceed 30% of the total sign area.

• Animation: Prohibited. The message must be static. Video, flashing, scrolling, or "strobe" effects are not allowed to prevent driver distraction.

• Permitted Uses: Allowed for businesses, schools, and government buildings to display public information or promotional messages.

Vertical fabric or vinyl banners mounted on light poles, typically found in parking lots.

• Location: Must be mounted on free-standing light poles or standards on private property (not on municipal hydro poles).

• Material: Non-rigid material (cloth, vinyl, canvas) secured at the top and bottom so it is held taut.

• Clearance: Bottom of the banner must be at least 2.6 m (8.5 ft) above the ground.

• Quantity: Permitted on a maximum of 50% of the light poles on the lot.

• Maximum Size: 1 sq. m (10.8 sq. ft).

Any decal, vinyl wrap, paint, or perforated film applied to a window or glass door.

• They Count as Signs: Window graphics are considered "Wall Signs." Their surface area counts toward the 20% total allowance mentioned above.

• Exceptions:

  • Merchandise Displays: Standard window shopping displays (mannequins, products) are allowed and do not count as signs.

  • Blinds & Curtains: Standard interior window treatments used for privacy or sun control are permitted and not regulated.

  • Murals: Artistic murals that are purely decorative and contain no commercial advertising (logos, slogans, product names) are not considered signs.

A sign that projects outward from the building face (typically hanging from a bracket)

• Limit: One (1) per storefront.

• Safety Clearance: The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.4 m (8 ft) above the sidewalk to ensure pedestrian safety.

• Size Limit: Maximum size of 1.2 sq. m (12.9 sq. ft).

Temporary air-filled devices (like hot-air balloons) tethered to the ground.

• Permit: Required.

• Duration: Limited to one (1) permit per year for a maximum of 2 months.

• Location: Must be set back at least 10 m (32 ft 10 in) from any lot line or street.

• Lighting: Internal illumination is allowed, but flashing or searchlights are prohibited.

• Movement: Mechanical movement is not permitted.