Toronto city council has voted to implement a tax on billboards that is expected to generate between $10 million and $16 million per year for the city.
The Billboard Tax and Signs by-law passed 29-12 on Monday, following a seven-year effort by several public spaces advocacy groups to have the city enforce tougher rules for outdoor advertising.
Councillors Mike Del Grande, Frank Di Giorgio, Rob Ford, Doug Holyday, Norm Kelly, Chin Lee, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata, Case Ootes, John Parker, Bill Saundercook and Karen Stintz voted against the measure.
The by-law also makes it harder for advertisers to have new billboards approved and increases fines for illegal outdoor signage.
A recent survey determined 70 per cent of Torontonians agree with measure. However, there had been a vocal lobby fighting against the by-law on behalf of city advertisers.
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