Campaign clutter: Election signs linger across Calgary a week after vote

Although Calgary’s municipal election was one week ago, remnants of the campaign trail are still visible across the city.

Days after the polls closed, election signs continue to dot public spaces, defying city bylaws that mandate their timely removal.

According to the City of Calgary’s Temporary Signs on Highways Bylaw, all election signage—regardless of size—must be removed within 72 hours of the election’s conclusion. That deadline passed on Thursday, yet a drive through Calgary’s four quadrants reveals campaign signs remain planted along major roads, in commercial areas, and even nestled within residential neighbourhoods.

Signs from mayoral candidates including Jyoti Gondek, Sonya Sharp, and newly elected Mayor Jeromy Farkas are among those still standing. While some signs are located on private property, the majority appear to be in public spaces, where stricter rules apply.

In a statement, the City of Calgary emphasized that candidates who fail to remove their signs from public property could face fines ranging from $75 to $1,000. The city also has the authority to impound non-compliant signs and pursue enforcement actions.

“Where needed, the City will support the removal of election signs from public property,” reads the statement.

Residents concerned about lingering signage are encouraged to report violations by calling 311 or submitting a request through the City’s temporary sign removal service.

Calgary’s municipal election results were made official on Friday, and a recount in the mayoralty race is scheduled to take place on Monday.

Sharp requested the recount after losing to Farkas by 581 votes.

The city says the returning officer will make a recount of the votes cast at all voting stations after being satisfied that the margin of victory was within the required 0.5 per cent threshold.