KENORA – The city has been fined $1,000 by the Commissioner of Canada Elections following a violation during the April 2025 federal election.
The complaint received by the commissioner alleged that a bylaw officer removed election signs from public property without notifying the campaign, in violation of the Canada Elections Act.
The act allows an exception for signs to be removed by city authorities, but only after notice is given to the campaign.
The commissioner found that about 102 signs had been removed, and not by reason of a public safety hazard.
“A mitigating factor was applied as the evidence indicates that several actions were taken by the City of Kenora to avoid future violations of this nature,” read the summary of the case.
The fine was reduced from $1,500 to $1,000.
“The city trained the new officer on the interpretation of the bylaw and made an amendment to the bylaw to ensure the language was clear and correct,” said city clerk Heather Pihulak.
“The city recognizes the error made and took steps to address how the error was made to ensure future occurrences do not happen,” she said.
