I don't want to be a criminal
by m@b

Wavelenth 'zine - April 2002

The City of Toronto is once again considering an oppressive by-law that would severely restrict postering. Obviously, this could have a profound effect on Toronto's music and arts communities.

The by-law has already been approved by the Planning and Transportation Committee and is scheduled to reach council on April 16, 18, or 19. The by-law proposes that posters be displayed on only 4,000 utility poles, roughly 2 per cent of the poles in the city. These poles would be equipped with with collars, much like the poles lining U of T's St. George Street. I have tried to glue, tape and staple my posters to these things and can honestly say that they suck donkey balls. Where these 4,000 poles would be situated in T.O. is anyone's guess. Remember, nowadays "Toronto" stretches from Highway 27 in the west to the Rouge valley in the east and Steeles Ave. to the north.

Identical posters would have to be 100 meters apart. Even commercial billboards have to be 60 meters apart. On most east-west streets downtown, 100 meters is about a block and a half in length. While wheat paste has proven to be environmentally friendly, it too would be banned. Only staples and tape would be allowed.

They say size doesn't matter? Well, posters could not exceed 8.5" x 11" (standard letter size). The by-law's fine print also states that contact information must be provided on the poster as well as the date of posting. Can you imagine putting your name and phone on every poster so any lunatic could call you? And if your contact info ain't there, the city will take it up with the club hosting your event. You'd also be
responsible to taking down any posters after 30 days.

Lastly, for every poster that violates the by-law, a $60 fine would follow. Theoretically, if you put up 100 posters that fail to meet the new by-law standards, a whopping $6,000 fine could end up in your mailbox.

What makes this situation all the more interesting is that this is the same by-law that has been proposed on earlier occasions. In all cases the courts rule against the restrictive by-laws. In 1994, The Ontario Court of Appeals ruled that the bylaw was "disproportionately invasive of the Constitution's guarantee of freedom of expression."

The Toronto Public Space Committee is urging people to get involved and defeat this by-law. They have info about the bylaw and what you can do about it at: www.publicspace.ca

Tell all your buddies on the scene about it -- especially the bookers and promoters.

We can't let the city take away our ability to promote our art, especially when council waives bylaws for video billboards so we can watch endless loops of commercials. tell all your buddies on the scene about it -- especially the bookers and promoters. This is one small battle that can be won if you let councilors know your displeasure.