COBALT – Cobalt council will take another look at a proposed new bylaw governing election signs after one member deemed it “overkill by a mile.”
During the town’s March 31 regular council meeting, Councillor Doug Wilcox said the proposed bylaw includes “a great deal of overreach” and he is not in favour of its scope.
“I’m not sure it’s fair, I’m not sure its necessary,” he said.
Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Cassandra Beaudoin said the proposed bylaw is based on one drafted by Coleman Township CAO Chris Oslund which is being widely adopted by municipalities in the area. Cobalt’s proposed version would see election signs – municipal, provincial and federal – banned from municipal property including municipal buildings, parks, hydro poles, utility poles, traffic poles and traffic signage. It would also limit signs within six meters of intersections, or where they obstruct sightlines or interfere with the safe movement of people and vehicles.
On days of advance polls and election days, signs will be banned within 75 metres of the town’s one polling station located at 22 Argentite Street.
“Any such signs must be removed, regardless of whether it is located on private property or road allowance.”
The proposed bylaw subsequently proposes an exemption for election signs placed on private property with the consent of the owner, subject to safety restrictions.
“They can’t co-exist on the same piece of paper,” Wilcox said, suggesting there is a contradiction between the proposed regulation and the exemption.
Cobalt Councillor Pat Anderson said she has volunteered at many federal and provincial elections and the rule of thumb was always not to have signs “within sight” of the polling station.
Wilcox suggested future election candidates will have difficulty finding an impactful location for their signs since “most of the good spots are off limits.” He said he rejects the notion of a “magic circle” around the polling station, and suggested private property owners should be able to place signs regardless of how close they are to the location.
Council decided to defer the proposed bylaw for consideration at a future meeting.
By Joe O’Grady, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Apr 15, 2026 at 08:10
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