SAC monitors regulatory, legislative, and policy developments that may affect Canada’s sign, graphics, and visual communications industry.
This section provides updates on municipal permitting, building and electrical requirements, accessibility standards, environmental regulations, trade measures, and other government initiatives relevant to SAC members.
Members are encouraged to review these updates regularly and consult the applicable authority or regulatory body for current requirements in their jurisdiction.
Ottawa is updating its Permanent Signs on Private Property By-law (By-law 2016-326) to align with the City’s new Zoning By-law 2026-50. The amendments were brought forward to Ottawa City Council on October 8, 2026 following consideration by the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and the Planning and Housing Committee. The changes are primarily technical. They…
DetailsEffective February 16, 2026, the City of Toronto requires building permit applications, including sign permit applications, to use the updated Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish form. The City’s First Party and Third Party Sign Permit pages both direct applicants to use the latest version of the form. This is separate from the…
DetailsHousing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) has introduced updated Project Signage Guidelines, effective July 2026, for federally funded housing and infrastructure projects. The guidelines apply to projects funded through HICC programs and Build Canada Homes (BCH), as well as new signs produced for projects under certain previous infrastructure funding programs. What Sign Companies Should Know…
DetailsAccessibility Standards Canada is developing a new national standard focused specifically on accessible wayfinding and signage in the built environment. The proposed standard, CAN-ASC-2.4 – Wayfinding and Signage, was released in draft form in January 2026. Publication of the final standard is currently expected in summer 2027. The standard is intended to improve how people…
DetailsSince June 1, 2025, new requirements under Quebec’s Charter of the French Language have applied to public signage and commercial advertising involving business names and trademarks in languages other than French. For sign companies working on projects in Quebec, the changes are particularly relevant to exterior signage and other signs visible from outside a premises.…
DetailsCity of Toronto – New Declaration Form Required for Sign Permit Applications The City of Toronto has introduced a new declaration form that must be submitted with all First Party and Third-Party Sign Permit Applications. This requirement applies to any permit involving a new building or an addition to a building, including signs. The declaration…
DetailsSaskatoon Implements New Sign Regulation Changes The City of Saskatoon has moved forward with important updates to its sign regulations. On June 25, 2025, City Council approved changes that now require permits for wall signs in Sign Groups 4 and 5. While the City transitions its systems, applicants must temporarily submit paper applications for these…
DetailsCity of Saskatoon Contemplating Changes to Sign Regulations – Phase Two Review Underway The City of Saskatoon is moving forward with Phase Two of its Sign Regulations Review, with a focus on digital billboards and project development signs. This phase aims to modernize these categories to address traffic safety, sign clutter, light pollution, and better…
DetailsINFORMATION ON THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PRODUCTS CONTAINING MERCURY REGULATIONS On June 19th, 2024, the Regulations Amending the Products Containing Mercury Regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. These amendments will come into force on June 19th, 2025. Below, you will find key information about the Products Containing Mercury Regulations, with a focus…
DetailsProposed Counter Measure Tariffs Impacting the Sign Industry Many of you are aware of the proposed counter measure tariffs, which may take effect on April 2nd. These tariffs could significantly impact the signage industry, as they apply to many of the materials we rely on. The Canadian government is currently seeking feedback, and this is…
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