Portable signs are the central issue in Petawawa's sign regulation. The town's 2023 bylaw update (By-Law 1573/23) was driven primarily by complaints about portable sign clutter along Petawawa Boulevard, and the portable sign provisions are the most debated part of the new bylaw.
What Changed
Under the previous bylaw, portable sign regulations were minimal. Businesses could place multiple portable signs with few restrictions on size, placement, or condition. The result was a main commercial corridor lined with signs of varying sizes, conditions, and placement — some on private property, many in the right-of-way.
By-Law 1573/23 introduced:
- Number limits: Reduced the number of portable signs permitted per property
- Size limits: Set maximum dimensions more restrictive than the previous rules
- Permit requirements: Portable signs now require permits, with associated fees and duration limits
- Placement requirements: Signs must be on private property, outside sight triangles, and not obstructing pedestrian access
- Maintenance standards: Signs must be in good repair, with legible content and sound structure
The Business Perspective
Local business owners argued that the new rules would hurt their ability to advertise. For many businesses along Petawawa Boulevard, a portable sign near the road is the most effective and affordable advertising method. The businesses serve a mix of local residents and military personnel from CFB Petawawa, many of whom are new to the area and rely on visible signage to discover local services.
Specific objections included the cost of permits for signs that were previously free, the reduced sign sizes that business owners felt would make signs less visible from the road, and the number limits that prevented businesses from using multiple signs for different promotions or services.
The Town's Perspective
Town staff and council argued that the previous lack of regulation had created a visual clutter problem that was affecting the town's image and generating increasing resident complaints. The new rules, staff argued, were consistent with standards in comparable Ontario municipalities and provided a fair framework that businesses could work within.
Council also emphasized that the new rules were enforceable, whereas the previous vague provisions made consistent enforcement impossible. Clear standards meant that both businesses and enforcement officers knew exactly what was expected.
Implementation
The town implemented the new portable sign rules with a transition period, giving businesses time to come into compliance. Town staff met with individual business owners to explain the new requirements. Enforcement during the transition period focused on education rather than penalties.
For the full political story behind the bylaw change, see the Petawawa portable sign case study.