Speakers Corner: Who’s responsible for tree-covered traffic signs?

Speakers Corner is back! CityNews wants to hear from you. We’ve been asking you to send us interesting stories, videos or questions you want answered. The Queen Street booth maybe a thing of the past, but we’re still listening and want to hear what’s on your mind.

This week, people are speaking out about a growing problem on city streets.

This summer’s rain has been good for many things, for one greener gardens! “The foliage has really grown this year,” said Vanessa Timariu.

But all of that growth is stretching far beyond property lines. In Timariu’s neighbourhood, an overgrown tree is hiding an important traffic sign at a busy intersection where Pembroke Street meets Shuter Street.

“There’s a stop sign. We know it’s there because we live here but if you don’t, you wouldn’t see it,” said Timariu and her partner Calin.

CityNews found at least two dozen signs completely covered throughout the city. Stop, yield, merge and many others hidden by overgrown foliage.

“I’m curious to know who’s responsible?” Timariu asked. “Is it the city or the property owner?”

We took that question to City of Toronto Spokesperson, Eric Holmes.

“If there is foliage that is growing in the public right of way — beyond the property line — the city has immediate responsibility for that,” he said.

But if the growth stems from your property, who’s on the hook to clear it? The answer depends on whether the blocked sign is deemed an immediate danger.

“If it is, then staff will take action immediately. We will trim back the obstruction to make the sign visible,” Holmes said.

That covers things like stop and merge signs, stop lights and other essential traffic alerts. If foliage is blocking signs that won’t pose an immediate danger, like no parking signs, the city will work with the homeowner to get it cleared as soon as possible.

“We work on a case by case basis with the adjacent property owner, with an aim to work toward compliance.”

If the property owner is not cooperative, the city could issue a notice of violation.

“The property owner will have 48 hours to clear it and if they fail to do so, they could be fined $240 plus the cost involved to clear the foliage,” Holmes said.

We asked how many violations were issued in the past year, Holmes said “staff do not track notices of violations issued or considered for this type of obstruction.”

“We estimate that none have been issued recently, or in the past few years.”

We also wanted to know why so many signs have been left covered throughout the city. Holmes said city staff does scan roadways looking for problem areas but they also depend on the public’s help to identify covered signs.

“We ask anyone who sees a covered sign to call 311 immediately. The sign will be cleared within four hours if it’s an immediate danger.”

If an accident were to occur due to a covered sign, could homeowners be held liable if the growth stems from their property line?

That answer depends on your policy.

“Homeowners should speak to their insurance representatives to understand what their insurance policy covers them for, such as legal defence and liability,” advised Vanessa Barrasa with the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

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