This consultation was open from:
September 29, 2016
to December 11, 2016
Decision summary
Following the review of the Corridor Signing Policy and consultations, we focused on policy updates that maximize client benefits and policy consistency. As a result, key improvements to streamline location signing policies for individual businesses and billboard signs have been identified and will be implemented.
Decision details
We reviewed the Corridor Signing Policy and considered the comments received during the consultation period.
We decided to amend the policy to create more signing opportunities for first party signs and decrease the minimum dwell time for digital signs.
- Location Signing, Individual Business – we will now calculate the size of signs attached to a building for individual business as a percentage of the total area of the exterior elevation to a maximum of 20% (similar to existing commercial plaza or industrial complex policy)
- Location Signing, Commercial Plaza or Industrial Complex – we updated the definition of signing attached to a building
- Location Signing, Individual Business – Previous sign allocation for individual business, as described in the policy, will now be exclusively allocated for pylon signing (similar to the existing commercial plaza or industrial complex policy)
- Location Signing, Individual Business – One additional pylon sign adjacent to an intersecting road will now be permitted for individual business (similar to the existing commercial plaza or industrial complex policy)
- Location Signing, Individual Business – The Minimum Dwell Time (MDT) for changeable message signs (e.g. digital signs) will now be 20 seconds
- Billboard Signing – Where changeable message signs (e.g. digital signs) are permitted, the Minimum Dwell Time (MDT) will now be 20 seconds
Policy updates to be implemented by mid August 2020.
Effects of consultation
Comments received through the consultation process indicated support for enforcement of MTO’s Corridor Signing Policy.
In addition, while some comments indicated opposition to first party and third party signing opportunities adjacent to provincial highways, other comments indicated support for first party signing opportunities, provided that controls are in place to minimize the potential for any negative impacts to safety, aesthetics, the environment and the local community.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
301 St. Paul Street
St. Catharines,
ON
L2R 7R4
Canada
Connect with us
Contact
Daniel Prelipcean
301 St. Paul Street
St. Catharines,
ON
L2R 7R4
Canada
Original proposal
Proposal details
Description of policy
Under the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has the authority to control all signing on any property within 400 metres of any limit of a provincial highway and the current Corridor Signing Policy guides the administration of this authority.
A copy of MTO’s current Corridor Signing Policy is available on-line.
Purpose of policy
The Ministry of Transportation will be intensifying its efforts to enforce the Corridor Signing Policy. The Policy provides a set of guidelines, which regulate the placement of signs adjacent to provincial highways across the province. This policy covers a variety of signs including: location, temporary (e.g. election signs, special event signs) and billboards. The objective of the policy is to balance the potential for advertisement opportunities with driver distraction, aesthetic and environmental considerations, and the nature and location of appropriate advertising displays.
Before undertaking these additional enforcement activities, the ministry, through this posting, is seeking feedback to see if there are opportunities to improve the current policy. Specifically, the ministry would appreciate the opportunity to learn:
- What is or isn’t working?
- Are there challenges?
- Do you have any ideas or solutions?
Comments received through this posting will be considered by the ministry when making decisions about the use of third party advertising along provincial highways and also help identify criteria and conditions that may be required to mitigate any potential impacts to the environment.
Public consultation
This proposal was posted for a 73 day public review and comment period starting September 29, 2016. Comments were to be received by December 11, 2016.
All comments received during the comment period are being considered as part of the decision-making process by the Ministry.
Please Note: All comments and submissions received have become part of the public record.
Other public consultation opportunities
In accordance with the Ministry of Transportation’s Statement of Environmental Values, the Ministry believes that public consultation is critical to sound environmental decision making. The public is invited to submit written comments regarding MTO’s proposal to the Ministry EBR Coordinator using the contact information provided. Additionally, you may submit your comments online. Comments should be submitted within the 73-day timeframe noted at the top of this notice. Comments should be submitted to the ministry EBR Coordinator contact noted at the bottom of this notice. Please quote the Environmental Registry Number when submitting comments.
The ministry will also undertake consultation with other key stakeholders, including municipalities, members of the signing industry, and their associations.
For further technical information contact:
Mr. Kris Kernaghan
Highway Corridor Management and Property Office
Highway Standards Branch
Ministry of Transportation
301 St. Paul Street
St. Catharines, ON L2R 7R4
E-mail: kris.kernaghan@ontario.ca
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
Comment
Commenting is now closed.
This consultation was open from September 29, 2016
to December 11, 2016
Connect with us
Contact
Arielle Mayer
777 Bay Street
Suite 700
Toronto,
ON
M7A 2J8
Canada
Comments received
Through the registry
212By email
2By mail
2