Report Obscene or Misleading Advertising - Regina Bylaw

Signs and Advertising Saskatchewan 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Saskatchewan

In Regina, Saskatchewan, the city regulates signs and advertising to protect public safety and prevent misleading or obscene displays. This guide explains where the rules are posted, how to report a concern to By-law Enforcement, what sanctions may apply, and the practical steps to file a complaint and follow up.

Penalties & Enforcement

By-law Enforcement in the City of Regina is the primary enforcer for sign and advertising rules; residents may report offensive or deceptive advertising through the city complaint system Report a Bylaw Complaint[2]. The specific sign and advertising standards are published on the city site Signs and Advertising[1], but detailed monetary penalties are not clearly listed on those pages and may be set under the controlling bylaw.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see the city bylaw pages for current amounts and ticketing procedures.
  • Escalation: first-offence and repeat/continuing offence rules are not specified on the cited page; enforcement may issue orders or multiple tickets per continuing contravention.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement may issue removal or abatement orders, require signage removal or alteration, and seek compliance through court action if necessary.
  • Enforcer and contact: By-law Enforcement handles inspections and complaints; file complaints online or by phone via the city complaint page Report a Bylaw Complaint[2].
  • Appeals and review: the cited pages do not specify appeal time limits; appeals or reviews are handled according to the procedures in the applicable bylaw or through municipal court processes—check the bylaw text or contact the enforcement office for time limits.
If a fine or appeal deadline is critical, confirm the exact penalty and time limits with By-law Enforcement.

Applications & Forms

Sign permits, design approvals or temporary sign permits may be required for some advertising. The city lists permit information on its permits and licences pages, but a specific consolidated "sign permit form" is not clearly published on the cited sign pages; contact Permits and Licensing for the current application form and fee schedule.[1]

How to report obscene or misleading advertising

  • Document the issue: take photos showing location, date and time, and any adjacent landmarks.
  • Check rules: review the city signs and advertising page to see if the display appears to violate posted standards Signs and Advertising[1].
  • File a complaint: use the City of Regina report page or contact By-law Enforcement directly to submit photos and a description Report a Bylaw Complaint[2].
  • Follow up: note the complaint reference number, ask about expected inspection timelines, and request information on possible outcomes.
Keep a copy of your complaint and photos to support any follow-up or appeal.

FAQ

Who enforces sign and advertising rules in Regina?
By-law Enforcement enforces sign and advertising rules in Regina; complaints can be submitted through the city complaint page.
What counts as obscene or misleading advertising?
Obscene advertising includes material offensive to community standards; misleading advertising includes false or deceptive claims. Specific definitions are in the city sign rules or the controlling bylaw.
Will the city remove offensive signs immediately?
Removal depends on the urgency and whether the sign breaches the bylaw; enforcement may issue an order or require immediate removal for serious breaches.

How-To

  1. Collect clear photos and note the exact location and time.
  2. Compare the display to the city signs guidance to see if a breach is likely Signs and Advertising[1].
  3. Submit a complaint to By-law Enforcement using the city complaint form or phone line Report a Bylaw Complaint[2].
  4. Monitor the complaint, request an inspection update, and ask about steps to appeal any decision.

Key Takeaways

  • Report with photos and precise location for fastest response.
  • By-law Enforcement is the enforcing office; use the city complaint page to file.
  • Specific fines and appeal time limits are not listed on the cited pages; confirm with enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Regina - Signs and Advertising
  2. [2] City of Regina - Report a Bylaw Complaint

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