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It won't be long until federal election signage will appear in Timmins, however some confusion on the matter occurred during Monday's city council meeting.
Mayor Steve Black placed the topic on the council agenda for clarification purposes.
“We have a unique occurrence of an upper-level government calling an extended campaign. The campaign has 70 days remaining approximately. Our election sign bylaw specifies signs cannot go up until 30 days before the election,” said Black.
“So even though we have an extended campaign, unless council makes an amendment to accommodate that campaign, no signs can go up until 30 days before the election”
Black then opened up the discussion to council for their input.
Councillor Pat Bamford was slightly puzzled by the mayor's statement.
“I didn't think our bylaw affected the federal election, I thought it was municipal only?” said Bamford.
“I'm told the authority, through the federal legislation is delegated to municipalities to determine the bylaws,” replied Black.
There were no further comments shared by council, so it was determined that the 30 day rule would stay as is.
Or would it?
Near the very end of the council meeting, Councillor Andre Grzela pointed out that the city bylaw clearly states the 30 day rule only applies to municipal elections.
It also states that when the writ of election is issued for a federal or provincial campaign, it's a clear go ahead for signage to go up.
Grzela conferred with city clerk Steph Palmateer on the matter.
In an email obtained by TimminsToday, city bylaw officer James Lefebvre acknowledged providing 'misinformation' to the mayor and clerk.
He also apologized for the inconvenience.
On August 2, Prime Minister Stephen Harper met with Governor General David Johnston and dissolved Parliament which kicked off one of the longest campaigns in Canadian history.
The riding of Timmins-James Bay currently has 3 confirmed candidates.
Incumbent Charlie Angus of the New Democratic Party, Todd Lever of the Liberal Party and Max Kennedy of the Green Party.
The Conservative Party has yet to announce a candidate.
The federal election takes place on Monday, October 19.
(PHOTO: Mayor Steve Black speaks about the city's election sign rules during Monday night's council meeting. Andrew Autio for TimminsToday)
