Attachments to poles and streetlights

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Guidelines and how to apply

We support community initiatives in municipalities, towns and cities across the province. Installing commemorative banners, planters, and holiday lighting can be a great way to add personality to our communities, recognize special events and occasions, honour our history and dress up neighbourhoods and main thoroughfares.

However, you must apply for permission before you attach any of these items to our poles or streetlights.

To avoid damage and maintain the safety of our poles and streetlights, all installations must be in compliance with our guidelines. Read our guidelines (PDF, 60 KB).

  • Wind shedding brackets must be used for banners to make sure that poles and streetlights aren’t strained.
  • Height, weight and distance requirements must be met for hanging planters to make sure pedestrians and drivers using nearby sidewalks and roadways are safe.

Communities and organizations will have until December 31, 2026 to update or remove non-compliant installations. We will begin removing non-compliant installations starting January 2, 2027 as workload permits.

Banners

  • banners must use brackets with wind-shedding capability
  • approved wind-shedding brackets include:
    • BannerSaver brackets by BannerSaver
    • D3 banner brackets with Airow rod by Bannerflex
  • up to two banners can be installed per pole
  • single banners must not exceed the maximum size of 762 mm x 2286 mm (30” x 90”) and double banners must not exceed 559 mm x 1676 mm (22” x 66”) each
  • double banners can be either 90° or 180° around the circumference of a street light standard
  • a minimum elevation of 4500 mm (14’-9”) is required over all roadways

Contact your CSC for minimum elevations over sidewalks.

Diagram showing single and double banners mounted to a utility pole, with measurements and spacing labeled.

Planters

  • no more than two planters may be installed on one pole
  • planters must not weigh more than 20 kg. (44 lbs.)
  • bracket assemblies must not contain red, amber or green colours if they are within 6 m (19’-8”) of traffic signals
  • planters must be mounted at a minimum height of 4500 mm (14’-9”) from the roadway surface if:
    • the planter is less than 600 mm (2 feet) from the curb
    • the streetlight is within 6 m (19’-8”) of an intersection or private driveway
  • planters must be mounted a minimum height of 3000 mm (9’-10”) from the roadway surface if:
    • the planter is more than 600 mm (2 feet) from the curb
    • the planter is less than 600 mm (2 feet) from the curb, but the brackets are oriented parallel with the curb
Diagram showing hanging planters mounted to a utility pole, with measurements and spacing labeled.

Decorative lighting

  • minimum height to be 3810 mm (12’-6”) for 4600 mm post top light standards and 5000 mm for taller light standards
  • receptacle must face road

How to apply

Rural municipalities

  1. Print and complete our application (PDF, 151 KB)
  2. Deliver it to your local Customer Service Centre.

If you still need help

For more information on connections, our guidelines or other details, contact your local Customer Service Centre.