Ontario Sign Association News

Sign-A-Fied, an OSA member, has 2 printers available for sale!

Joshua Katchen — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:32:48 GMT

Sign-a-Fied has 2 printers for sale. If you are interested, contact Steve at steve@signafied.ca

Printer # 1 - ROLAND TrueVIS VG3-640 (64")

TrueVIS large format inkjet printer/cutters have been greatly enhanced to further exceed print quality, productivity.

Printer # 2 - GRAPHTEC FC5100-75 CUTTING PRO PROFESSIONAL VINYL CUTTING

Cutting Width: 30 inches (75 cm)

Drive System: Digital servo motor

Resolution: 0.005 mm

Max Cutting Speed: Approx. 20–30 inches per second (varies by direction)

Cutting Force: Adjustable, up to 300g

Join us at Sign Experience Canada!

Joshua Katchen — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:44:44 GMT

In 2025, the Sign Association of Canada proudly introduces Sign Experience Canada, a reimagined event designed to strengthen the connections that drive our vibrant industry forward. It will take place on October 2-3, 2025, in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

This fresh, conference-style event builds upon the rich legacy of Sign Expo Canada, which, for decades, has served as the cornerstone for learning, networking, and doing business in the sign industry. As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Sign Association of Canada, we are excited to launch this new chapter, bringing together professionals from coast to coast to celebrate, learn, and grow.

Four Pillars of Excellence - Sign Experience Canada revolves around four key pillars that define its mission:

Business

Elevate your connections through targeted tabletop exhibits that foster supplier-client relationships.

Networking

Build relationships that matter at exclusive events like the Awards Gala and C-Suite coffee chats.

Education

Stay ahead of the curve with seminars and workshops tailored to industry trends and innovations.

Fun

Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture with tours and experiences that make learning enjoyable.

For more information go to signexperience.ca

Sign-A-Fied, an OSA member, has a vehicle available for sale!

Joshua Katchen — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:57:08 GMT

Vehicle details: 2016 International Bucket Truck

Certifiable
All new hydraulic lines
Regularly maintained
35 ft bucket reach
Asking price: $70,000.00

For more details or to arrange a viewing, please contact:

Steve from Sign-A-Fied at 705-748-7139.

Ontario Building Code Updates: New Burn Test Requirements Impacting Signage Industry

Joshua Katchen — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 19:58:40 GMT

The Ontario Building Code (OBC) has recently implemented updates regarding material burn testing requirements, specifically focusing on ASTM D3801 standards. These updates are the result of a joint effort by the Ontario Sign Association (OSA) and the Sign Association of Canada (SAC), who collaborated closely with industry members and made significant investments to advocate for this change. The previous requirements placed an undue burden on the sign industry, and this update reflects a more reasonable approach tailored to industry needs.

The ASTM D3801 burn test, a measure of material flame resistance, will now be a mandatory component for materials used in signage that falls under certain building and installation parameters. This change aims to ensure heightened fire safety by requiring that signage materials meet specific flame resistance levels, minimizing potential risks in commercial and public spaces.

SAC’s 2015 Opinion Submission: Recommendations Adopted

In 2015, the Sign Association of Canada (SAC) submitted an opinion regarding these updates to Ontario’s Building Code. Our recommendations included updating Division B 3.15.4.1(b) to replace ASTM D568 with ASTM D3801 for vertical burn testing of plastic materials used in signage. SAC emphasized that ASTM D568, which had been withdrawn in 1991, was outdated and costly for manufacturers to implement. We proposed that the OBC adopt ASTM D3801, a modern and internationally recognized standard for vertical burning characteristics, for a more relevant evaluation of plastic sign faces.

In response to our recommendations, the updated OBC now references ASTM D3801, reflecting the current industry standards and simplifying compliance. SAC also advocated that these updates should be cost-neutral, enhancing enforceability without increasing compliance costs for sign manufacturers.

Excerpt of Article 3.15.4.1.

3.15.4. Plastic Sign Facing Materials
3.15.4.1. Combustible Sign Faces
(1) Plastic materials used in the construction of sign faces shall
(a) have an average burning rate not greater than
(i) 65 mm/min in sheets 1.5 mm thick when tested in accordance with ASTM D635, “Standard Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning
of Plastics in a Horizontal Position”, or
(ii) 140 mm/min when tested in accordance with ASTM D3801, “Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a
Vertical Position,” and
(b) have a measurement of material thickness in accordance with Method B-Machinists’ Micrometer Without Ratchet of ASTM D374 / D374M, “Standard Test
Methods for Thickness of Solid Electrical Insulation.”

Access the Full Building Code Update

To review the complete updates to the Ontario Building Code, including detailed requirements and implementation guidelines, click here.

What This Means for the Sign Industry

Material Compliance: Manufacturers must ensure that all materials used for signage meet ASTM D3801 standards. This compliance check will impact both the selection and testing processes for signage materials, especially in high-traffic or enclosed areas where fire safety regulations are stricter.
Industry Adaptation: SAC encourages all sign companies to review their material inventory, supply chains, and installation protocols to ensure compliance with these new requirements. Non-compliance could lead to project delays, re-installations, or potential fines under OBC regulations.

Support and Resources

The Sign Association of Canada (SAC) is here to support our members in navigating these new standards. We encourage members to reach out with questions and take advantage of our available resources, including guidance documents. SAC will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates on how members can stay compliant.

The Ministry of Transportation Process Update

Joshua Katchen — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 19:57:36 GMT

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO), as part of their ongoing commitment to improving operational efficiency and customer service, has enhanced the Permit Replacement process using the Highway Corridor Management System (HCMS). The new process is designed to streamline applications, minimize data entry, and provide faster service for clients replacing expiring permits. Click on the links below for more information:

MTO Release Details (English) | MTO Release Details (French)

For more information on the MTO’s Permit Replacement Process please watch this guidance video:

HCMS Permit Replacement

For general information on the Ministry of Transportation please visit their website: Highway corridor management | ontario.ca

Applications Now Open! Ontario Skills Development Fund

Joshua Katchen — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:29:43 GMT

The Ontario government has launched the second round of its Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream, with over $74 million in available funding to build, expand and retrofit training facilities for workers in the trades, including construction, manufacturing, and technology.

Ontario News Release

Ontario Website - Skills Development Fund

With an enhanced, streamlined application process that includes a new SEED pathway to help with the upfront costs of developing construction proposals, such as design drawings and technical plans. This addresses the needs of businesses and training providers who may lack the in-house capacity to develop complex construction plans. As a further improvement, the Capital Stream will now also accept funding proposals all year round, which enables faster application reviews.

Ontario City Addresses Concerns Over Unauthorized Street Signage

Joshua Katchen — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 18:34:40 GMT

According to the St. Catherines Standard report, Thorold City Council is considering stricter regulations to manage street-side signage, aiming to reduce visual clutter and improve safety.

Learn more by visiting: Ontario city addresses concerns over unauthorized street signage - Sign Media Canada

Congratulations OSA 2023 SAC Award Winners!

Joshua Katchen — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 18:46:15 GMT

OSA Congratulates our 2023 SAC Award winning members!

SAC Volunteer of the Year - Jeff Wallis, Signature Sign & Image

SAC Sign professional of the Year - Brad Hillis, Pride Signs

Thank you for all you both have done for the sign industry!

New Construction Safety & Infection Control Resources

Joshua Katchen — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 16:53:55 GMT

Every construction project comes with its own set of risks – from fire and water damage to equipment theft, slips and falls, cyber-attacks and even infection control.

These risks not only vary in size and complexity but can also evolve over the course of a project. That’s why having proper worksite policies and procedures is so critical to avoiding hazards and potential accidents.

To help your members keep workers safe and their projects running smoothly, we’ve developed the following risk management resources addressing common exposures:

Government Lifts Limits on Construction Activities

Joshua Katchen — Mon, 25 May 2020 19:26:56 GMT

On May 14, 2020, the government announced that it was lifting limits on construction activities that can take place under the List of Essential Businesses established under the Emergency Order (O. Reg 82/20). This means that all construction activities or projects and related services that support construction activities or projects, including demolition services, can commence or restart as of May 19, 2020.

The amended regulation (O.Reg. 223/20) can be found here: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r20223

Government of Canada - Work Sharing Program

Karin Eaton — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 17:03:42 GMT

Work Sharing Program:

Work-Sharing (WS) is an adjustment program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer. The measure provides income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporarily reduced work week while their employer recovers.

The Government of Canada introduced temporary special measures that extend the maximum duration of Work-Sharing agreements from 38 weeks to 76 weeks across Canada for those businesses affected by the downturn in business due to COVID-19.

For more information and to see if you are eligible visit Government of Canada site: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing/temporary-measures-forestry-sector.html

Coles Notes on what you need to know now:

What is It?

· Effective March 15, 2020 to March 14, 2021

· Designed to help employers & employees avoid layoffs where there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer

· Income support to employees who are eligible for Employment Insurance Benefits

· Employees work a temporary reduced work week, while employer recovers

How Does it Work

· Employer & employees must agree to participate in a Work sharing agreement and must apply together

· Employees are to receive a copy of the Employee Annex before submitting the application

· Demonstrate a recent decrease in business activity of approximately 10%

· Sales & Production figures over the last 24 months up to and including last month prior to submitting

· Demonstrate that the work shortage is temporary & beyond their control - not cyclical/recurring shutdown

· Submit and implement a recovery plan designed to return the Working Sharing Unit (WSU) to normal hours by end of agreement

· Work reduction must be between 10% (min) -1/2 day to 60% (max) - 3 days

· Work reduction can vary depending on available work, as long as the work reduction on average over the life of the agreement is between 10% - 60%

· The proposed reduction in work hours should correspond with the number of anticipated temporary lay-offs

· Minimum of 6 weeks to a max of 26 weeks - extended to 38 weeks and extended again to 76 weeks

· If the business does not recover as expected and an employee is laid off during or at the end of WSA, the employee can apply to transfer the claim to regular benefits

· Benefits are not reduced by Work Sharing

Work Share Benefits:

· No waiting period, however, may take a few weeks after employer has submitted the First Utilization Report

· Employer may request employee to work on a work Sharing Day

· Statutory holidays are the responsibility of the employer

Work Sharing Unit:(WSU)

· A group of core employees who have greed to participate in the Work Sharing program & reduce their normal working hours

· WSA may include>1 WSU

· Includes those in a single job description or who perform similar work

· Hours must be reduced equally in a WSU (same % reduction)

· Should not include employees who need to help generate work or those who are essential to the recovery of the business

· Minimum of 2 employees in a WSU

· Employees in the same job description cannot volunteer to participate while other decline & continue to work normal hours

· Members of WSU who do not qualify or choose not to accept EI are still required to reduce their hours of work on a equivalent basis

· Employer may request employee to work on a work Sharing Day

Ontario Amends Sign Requirements under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017

Karin Eaton — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 16:35:41 GMT

On December 13, 2019, the Ontario government filed Ontario Regulation 430/19, which amends Ontario Regulation 268/18 made under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 with respect to the sign requirements for employers and proprietors. The Regulation comes into force on January 1, 2020.

If you are an employer or owner (proprietor) of an enclosed workplace, an enclosed public place or other smoke-free and vape-free places as described in the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 or Ontario Regulation 268/18, you must post enough of the individual (tobacco/e-cigarette) signs OR combined (tobacco and e-cigarette) signs at each entrance, exit and washroom to ensure that employees and the public know that they cannot smoke tobacco or cannabis (medical or recreational) or vape anything there.

If you are an employer or owner (proprietor) of a hotel, motel or inn, you must post the individual (tobacco/e-cigarette) signs OR combined (tobacco and e-cigarette) signs in every “non-smoking” or “non-vaping” guest room.

The Regulation specifies that it is now sufficient “to copy the information and informational symbols on such a sign without copying a Trillium or ‘Smoke-Free’ logo in exact fashion, or copying it at all.” Corresponding changes are made throughout Ontario Regulation 268/18.

For more information on the regulation and to download PDF copies of required signs, click here.

Your Work Featured on Ontario Sign Association's Homepage!?

Karin Eaton — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 01:05:25 GMT

The OSA is built of super talented sign companies, much like your own, and we’d like to showcase your great work!

We’d love to display your brightest and best sign projects on our OSA home page for the duration of 2020.

All we need from you is to send us ( email address below ) 5-6 images of your brightest and best finished projects.

Eligibility and requirements:

Open to OSA members only
Digital images must be a minimum of 300 dpi in resolution, large enough for layout (minimum 4 x 6 inches or 1200 x 1800 pixels) and formatted as .jpg or .png files.
Signage categories we are looking for: Building signage, commercial tenant signage, digital signage, display graphics, fascia signs/channel letters, freestanding signage, historic signage, illuminated signage, wayfinding signage, unique signage and vehicle graphics.

Judging criteria:

Creativity
Appearance
Sign type (Note: ideally, we would like to have a wide array of sign types represented on home page)

Judging:
Entries will be judged by OSA’s Social Media and Communications Task Force and the OSA Board of Directors.

Deadline to submit: December 9, 2019

All entries are to be submitted electronically by December 9, 2019 to Karin Eaton at karin@ontariosignassociation.com

Join our TRIBE! We are looking for new & awesome committee members!

Karin Eaton — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 14:41:54 GMT

Committees are critical association mechanisms for involving its members, tapping into their specific expertise, ensuring that different perspectives are incorporated and for cultivating volunteer leaders.

As we are looking to the year ahead, we'd love to involve new voices in our committees.

Skills Ontario: Career Exploration Showcase Task Force
Objective: To develop material (with a hands-on component) to showcase at the May 6-7^th 2020 Skills Canada Career Exploration Showcase and to help OSA staff man the booth on the day of. The key objective is for us to showcase the exciting and diverse career opportunities in the sign industry.

Social Media & Communications Committee:
Objective: to develop visually attractive content that promotes the work of the Ontario Sign Association: benefits, events, professional development. The content is primarily to be distributed via social media channels and e-newsletters.

Education Committee
Objective: To develop programs that respond to the educational need of the Chapter members and others.

Membership Committee
Objective: To conduct member campaigns with a goal of increasing Chapter member participation levels and communication strategies to bring added value.

Government Relations Committee
Objective: To provide vision, direction and leadership in developing initiative to educate, monitor and review legislation as it pertains to the regulation and activities at the municipal, provincial and federal level.

Time commitment: 1 to 2 hours a month.

While Committees meet monthly or bimonthly, task forces are set up to deal with a specific task/event and then are done after the task/event is completed.

If you are interested in joining or would like to talk further about the type of work committees do, please connect with Karin at karin@ontariosignassociation.com or 905.482.4942

Standard Engineered Sign Drawings Program

Karin Eaton — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 15:38:03 GMT

The Ontario Sign Association is pleased to announce the launch of the Standard Engineered Sign Drawings Program in partnership with Sign Spec Canada.

Background: Municipalities around Ontario are requesting more and more sign designs to be reviewed by engineers prior to submission as part of the permit documentation submission. From the industry’s perspective, the sign design requirements are often too complicated for small sign companies or the general public to navigate. Costs typically range from $400 to $600 per sign for reviewing and stamping a sign design and takes approximately one week to have completed. From the municipalities’ perspective, they are having to put on hold a high percentage of incomplete sign permit request submissions due to missing or incorrect technical detail on the drawings. As such, some municipalities are starting to offer fast track processes for permit request submissions if a P.ENG has stamped and reviewed the sign design.

To fill this gap, the Ontario Sign Association is launching the Standard Engineered Sign Drawings Program in partnership with Sign Spec Canada (SSC), a new business formed by two industry veterans: the owners of Signature Engineering (Chris Sharpe) and Signum Engineering (Marc Carriere). This program will provide members with access to engineered drawings of the most often used sign types at a discounted price.

Program: Based on our consultations with the City of Toronto on the types of permits they receive, we have identified the most often used sign types: fascia boxes, channel letters, and pylons. Our program will provide sign companies with a selection of standard sign drawings which can be used to accompany sign permit applications.

City of Toronto has been supportive of this program, and from the association’s perspective, our program will enable the City to fast track the permit process for applications accompanied by these drawings. Ideally, these drawings will form the platform for future versions of the drawings that would be used elsewhere in Ontario and Canada by the Sign Association of Canada.

Members: Watch your inboxes on the latest news. We will be holding webinars and in person presentations later this year and early in the next year to give you a step-by-step overview of how the program is going to work.

June 24: City of Toronto's Sign Variance & Signage Master Plan Applications

Karin Eaton — Thu, 30 May 2019 14:21:26 GMT

City of Toronto has been reviewing the sign variance program over past few months and would like to discuss their findings and the plan forward with our members.

Here are the meeting details:

What: Meeting with City of Toronto Sign Unit Staff to discuss making Sign Variance and Signage Master Plan Applications

When: June 24^th from 9:30am to noon.

Where: Etobicoke Civic Centre, Meeting Room 3

Who (Target Audience): Anyone who makes Sign Variance or Signage Master Plan applications in Toronto.

Contact: Any inquiries should be directed to Michele Blackwood of the Sign Bylaw Unit at 416-392-4231 or Michele.Blackwood@toronto.ca

Please RSVP to Michele Blackwood at 416-392-4231 or Michele.Blackwood@toronto.ca

We recommend this session to anyone who does signage work in Toronto as this is a good way to meet the City of Toronto sign bylaw unit staff and get to ask any questions that you have pertaining to sign permits.

Engineered Drawings for Ontario Sign Association

Karin Eaton — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 17:54:27 GMT

A guiding objective for the Ontario Sign Association is to contribute to the operational effectiveness and viability of the sign industry in Ontario and to be the provincial voice of authority on regulatory matters. As such, along with the Sign Association of Canada's Government Relations team, the OSA has been in discussions with City of Toronto to produce a standard set of sign type drawings, which, among other benefits, would help fast track the sign permit application process.

On March 19, 2019, the Ontario Sign Association posted a Request for Propoal (and sent it out to the membership) seeking an engineering firm to produce drawings of standard sign types. These drawings would be used exclusively by Sign Association members to accompany permit applications to the City of Toronto.

This is the first step in a process whereby the City will fast track the permit process for applications accompanied by these drawings. Each drawing would be used multiple times by Sign Association members over a period of multiple years. Going forward it is likely that the number of drawings will increase.

Ideally, these drawings would form a platform for future versions of the drawings that would be used elsewhere in Ontario (we have had discussions also with other interested cities in Ontario) and Canada by the Sign Association of Canada.

The RFQ period will close on April 9, 2019. We will keep our members posted as this process progresses.

Update from Environment and Climate Change Canada on Products Containing Mercury

Karin Eaton — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 18:11:24 GMT

The Products Containing Mercury Regulations (the regulations) were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on November 19, 2014 and came into force on November 8, 2015^tnote1. The regulations prohibit the import and manufacture of products containing mercury or any of its compounds, with some exemptions for essential products which have no technically or economically viable alternatives (e.g., certain medical and research applications, and dental amalgam). In the case of lamps, such as fluorescent lamps, rather than prohibiting them, the regulations set a limit on the amount of mercury that they can contain.

However, based on more current information and further consultations with industry stakeholders, ECCC are now considering prohibiting the manufacture and import of straight fluorescent lamp (LFL) in 2028. For more information on their latest thinking, please find attached a summary of changes since the consultation document was published. It should also be noted that the publication date of the proposed amendments in Part 1 of the Canada Gazette has now been pushed to Spring 2019.

For the full summary, please see here.