Item - 2024.EC12.7
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Economic and Community Development Committee on April 30, 2024. The Economic and Community Development Committee has referred this item to an official or other body without making a decision. Consult the text of the decision for further information on the referral.
- See also EX6.23
EC12.7 - Response to EX6.23 and Related Directives: Graphic Image Delivery and Display of Temporary Signs with Graphic or Disturbing Images
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Referred
- Wards:
- All
Committee Decision
The Economic and Community Development Committee:
1. Referred the item back to the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards with the request to:
a. Decouple the matter of graphic images from placement of advocacy signs
b. Update the report to include a list all cities that have passed by-laws related to graphic images and the content and status of their by-laws and of those currently contemplating by-laws.
Origin
Summary
This report responds to Council directives related to regulating the unsolicited delivery of graphic flyers to residences and the feasibility of prohibiting and regulating temporary signs with graphic or disturbing images. This report also responds to Council direction to review whether an owner or occupant of a property should be authorized to erect advocacy signs in common areas or on the public boulevard without the consent of other owners and occupants of the same property.
Some residents receiving flyers with graphic images without their consent have reported that such flyers are harmful and distressing to view, especially for young children or people who have had miscarriages or abortions. When placing restrictions around content, however, staff are mindful of balancing the protection of persons’ health, safety and well-being with enforcement considerations including Charter rights. Assessing what constitutes a “graphic” or “disturbing” image on a flyer or on a temporary sign such that it would be subject to enforcement action would be challenging and would vary based on the person viewing the image. As such, staff do not feel it is feasible to recommend by-law changes at this time.
Staff's recommendation considers mechanisms already available to residents to prevent the unsolicited delivery of graphic flyers. Further, the City's newly amended Chapter 693, Signs, Election, and Temporary regulates advocacy signs in a content-neutral manner, with requirements regarding the number, size, physical dimensions, and location. These new regulations attempt to strike a balance between residents' desire to express themselves, while minimizing clutter and preventing safety hazards.
Legal Services and Transportation Services have been consulted in the preparation of this report.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-244999.pdf
Communications
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ec/comm/communicationfile-178960.pdf
(April 23, 2024) E-mail from Kristen Yeh (EC.New)
(April 28, 2024) Letter from Katie Dean, Viewer Discretion Legislation Coalition (EC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ec/comm/communicationfile-179073.pdf
Speakers
Nora Ahmadi Vosta Kalaei, Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada and UofT Students for Choice
Katie Dean, Viewer Discretion Legislation Coalition
Motions
That the Economic and Community Development Committee refer the item back to the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards with the request to:
a. Decouple the matter of graphic images from placement of advocacy signs
b. Update the report to include a list of all cities that have passed by-laws related to graphic images and the content and status of their by-laws and of those currently contemplating by-laws.