Prince George, B.C. – Soon, election signs will be few and far between in Prince George.

Council has supported a new election sign bylaw that would limit the  placing  of  signs on City property to 14 general sites in the City,  and  in specific areas  at those sites.

The bylaw  means there will no longer be  election signs  on City Boulevards however, it does  not cover the major highways as  both  Highway 16 and 97 are covered by  provincial  rules and regulations.

Election signs can still be placed on private property as long as the property owner  has given approval.

Councillor Murry Krause says he is pleased to support the  bylaw, saying  he is aware  residents  find  the  placement of signs  “unsightly”.

Councillor Garth Frizzell says he is concerned about the impact  the reduction in signage might have on  voter participation.  Having looked at a couple of  municipal elections in B.C.  he  says it’s difficult to see if the lack of signage  has an impact on voter turnout.  He also wonders if  reduced signage also  works in favour of the incumbents  as name recognition  may play a part in a voter’s decision.

“If I had my way, they (election signs) probably  wouldn’t exist at all” says Councillor Jillian Merrick. She says   limiting  the  areas  means  the  playing field for  candidates  will be levelled.

Councillor Albert Koehler says  if the bylaw doesn’t cover the highways,   perhaps there should be a discussion with the Ministry of Transportation  otherwise,  the  highway roadside will become “a free zone”  and will be loaded with signage.

Councillor Frank Everitt says  he doesn’t see this bylaw  as  putting anyone at an  advantage or disadvantage “People have budgets, and they will simply be putting their dollars  elsewhere.”

The Ministry   does have regulations in place  for signage and the bylaw is meant to be  “in line” with the  Ministry rules.

The bylaw is expected to be in place in time for the referendum that will be held this fall to deal  with  possibly borrowing  $50 million dollars for the construction  of a new Fire Hall and a replacement for the  Four Season’s pool.