Martin Reid coming down hard on illegal signage. Residents say they are fed up with illegal signs all over the community.
The most meaningful part of my job as a City Councillor is not what happens in the council chamber—it is what happens when I sit down, face-to-face, with residents and listen.
That is why I brought back a tradition started by my predecessor, Pat Saito, called Community Drop-in Hours. These are simple 10–15 minute conversations where residents share concerns, ideas, and frustrations. My team documents everything so it gets actioned, and I stay fully present in the moment.
You might expect to hear about taxes, snow clearing, housing affordability, or auto theft. And yes, those issues matter.
But what surprised me was how often I heard about litter and illegal signage. In fact, those two issues have become the most consistent concerns raised.
Residents told me they were fed up. Some are taking matters into their own hands—cutting signs down, pulling them from boulevards, and trying to reclaim their neighbourhoods from visual clutter.
That stuck with me. When two out of every five people raise the same issue, it is not minor—it is a quality-of-life concern. So I decided to act.
One morning, on my way to the gym, I stopped at intersections along my route and started removing signs. Thirty signs later, I was shocked. They were everywhere—especially along Winston Churchill and Erin Mills between Britannia and Eglinton.
I followed up by calling some of the numbers on those signs. The responses ranged from dismissive to revealing.
One person told me they only put their sign up because they saw someone else’s. Another said they would come pick it up and never did. One person genuinely asked what they were supposed to do to promote their business.
That question deserves a real answer—and there are better options.
We have supports like IDEA Mississauga to help businesses start and grow. There are local networks like the Meadowvale Business Association, co-working spaces such as Mindshare Workspace, and tools like social media and community newsletters that can amplify a business the right way.
If you are running a reputable business, there are far more effective and legal ways to grow.
I also want to acknowledge the groundwork laid in 2015. Under Pat Saito’s leadership, the city advanced a nuisance signage agreement that allows residents to remove illegal boulevard signs without fear of repercussions.
Now, it is time to go further. I have consulted with council colleagues and city staff on tightening enforcement and increasing fines.
I am coming down hard on illegal signage, and I am asking the community to enlist.
If you are out walking your dog or going about your day and you spot a new illegal sign, take a picture and send it to my office. We will notify city staff to remove it, and if it is not addressed quickly, I will step in myself.
The goal is simple: make Mississauga the least attractive place for illegal signage. It should be the worst return on investment. As fast as a sign goes up, it should come down.
This is not just about bylaws. It is about pride in our city—clean streets, uncluttered public spaces, and neighbourhoods we can all feel good about.
Martin Reid is the City Councillor for Ward 9. His website is MartinReid.ca and his email is martin.reid@mississauga.ca.
