Petawawa is a town of about 18,000 in the Ottawa Valley, adjacent to CFB Petawawa. In 2023, the town passed By-Law 1573/23, updating its sign regulations with a particular focus on portable signs. The bylaw change generated significant local debate and serves as a case study in how small Ontario communities handle sign regulation.
The 2023 Overhaul
The previous sign bylaw had minimal portable sign provisions and was loosely enforced. Complaints about sign clutter along Petawawa Boulevard — the town's main commercial corridor — had been growing for years. Council directed staff to develop updated regulations, and the result was By-Law 1573/23.
Key changes included reduced portable sign sizes, new permit requirements, placement restrictions to keep signs off the right-of-way, maintenance standards, and defined enforcement provisions. The bylaw was developed through public consultation and council deliberation, but the business community's response was sharply critical.
For the full story, see our Petawawa portable sign case study.
Key Provisions
- Portable signs limited in number per property
- Size limits more restrictive than the previous bylaw
- Permits required for portable signs
- Signs must be on private property, not in the right-of-way
- Maintenance standards for sign condition
- Defined penalties for non-compliance
The Military Connection
CFB Petawawa is one of Canada's largest military bases, and the transient military population creates unique sign dynamics. Businesses near the base rely heavily on portable signage to capture the attention of incoming military personnel and their families who are not yet familiar with local services. The argument that portable signs are essential for businesses serving a mobile population was central to the pushback against the new bylaw.
Enforcement
Petawawa's bylaw enforcement is handled by a small number of officers covering all bylaw categories. Sign enforcement is complaint-driven. Since the new bylaw's adoption, enforcement has been focused on education and voluntary compliance during a transition period.
Reporting
Contact the Town of Petawawa municipal office at 613-687-5536 or through the town's website at petawawa.ca.