2020 BC Provincial Election – Signs & Campaigning at Stratas

The 2020 Provincial Election is now upon us with the election just a few short weeks away.  Within days of an election being called, disputes invariably begin to arise regarding the displaying of election signs in windows and on balconies by Residents. Many stratas have bylaws that place strict restrictions on what can be put in/on windows and on balconies; however, the Elections Act Section 228.1 only allows strata corporations to “set reasonable conditions relating to the size or type of election advertising posters…”.

With that said, the strata corporation “may prohibit the display of election advertising posters in common areas.” This can be done by creating a simple Rule at a Council Meeting.

Election signs

In summary, the Election Act permits the strata corporation to prohibit signs on common property completely, but can only set “reasonable” conditions, such as size, for signs placed on windows or balconies.  Each community may set different “reasonable conditions”.

Regarding the timeframe on the placement and removal of election signs, it is determined by each local municipality, district or city. The following local governments have provided the below information:

City/District/MunicipalityWhen signs can be placedWhen signs must be removed.BurnabyDay of a writ issuedFour days after the electionPort MoodyTwo weeks before the electionFour days after the electionWest VancouverNo restrictionsNo restrictionsVancouverDay of a writ issuedOne week after the electionCoquitlam30 days before the electionFour days after the electionNorth VancouverDay of a writ issuedOne week after the electionRichmondDay of a writ issuedOne week after the electionNew WestminsterDay of a writ issuedTwo weeks after the election

Door to Door Campaigning

Regarding electioneering and campaigning, the Elections Act states that the strata corporation must not unreasonably restrict access to residential property by a candidate or authorized canvasser from canvassing at the doors to the apartments or units between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm.

Strata Councils should have a plan if these requests come up. As keys and fobs are often needed to gain access to the lobby or floors, it may be best for Councils to establish a place, date, and time for these activities to take place. We suggest having someone available to allow access to the building or condominium. Also, notifying the residents of the arrival of a candidate who will be knocking on doors is recommended to ensure Residents are prepared to wear a mask when potentially chatting with a candidate face-to-face. But Strata Councils can determine a place in a common area such as a lobby or meeting room for Residents to hear what a candidate has to say and ensure social distancing and mask-wearing protocols.  Canvassing will likely look much different during COVID, so this may be a non-issue in this election.