Raj Dhaliwal’s Fight Against Illegal Signage in Calgary
Raj hosted over 10 community cleanups in 2024 alone helping residents dispose of their household waste. Raj’s also initiated the “Adopt an Alley” program, where residents volunteer to help clean Ward 5’s alleys.
By Raj Dhaliwal
Unregulated signage is more than just an eyesore—it clutters public spaces, obstructs sightlines for drivers, and poses safety risks for both pedestrians and motorists.
As a Ward 5 candidate in 2021, I heard from residents about the growing issue of illegal signs littering our roadsides, intersections, and pathways. These unauthorized signs were blocking visibility at intersections, making it harder for drivers to see oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and obstructing sidewalks and pathways, creating hazards for people walking, biking, or using mobility aids.
As your Ward 5 City Councillor, I took action by leading a targeted enforcement initiative to remove over 7,000 illegal signs and strengthen compliance with city bylaws. This effort has:
- Improved road safety by ensuring clear sightlines for drivers.
- Made pathways and sidewalks safer by eliminating visual obstructions.
- Enhanced the overall look and feel of Ward 5, reducing visual pollution and clutter
To further enhance our efforts against illegal signage, I propose the following initiatives:
- Community Workshops: Organizing workshops to educate residents about the dangers of illegal signage and the importance of following city bylaws will empower them to take action in their neighborhoods.
- Partnerships with Local Businesses: Collaborating with local businesses to create guidelines for legal signage will help ensure that they understand the regulations and contribute positively to the community's aesthetics.
- Signage Reporting App: Developing a user-friendly app that allows residents to easily report illegal signs will streamline the enforcement process and encourage community involvement.
By implementing these initiatives, we can create a cleaner, safer, and more visually appealing Ward 5, where everyone plays a role in maintaining our public spaces.
But enforcement alone isn’t enough. I am proactively working ahead of spring 2025 to ensure that this issue does not persist. By collaborating with enforcement teams, raising awareness among businesses, and pushing for stronger compliance measures, I am committed to keeping Ward 5’s roadways, sidewalks, and public spaces free from illegal signage year after year.
