Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream signage requirements

On this page

• Overview
• Step 1: Learn about signage types and download templates
• Step 2: Fill in a signage template and submit it for approval
• Step 3: Produce, install, maintain, remove and report on your signage
• Contact us

Overview

Physical and digital signage on infrastructure and housing projects help Canadians learn about the project and understand where federal, provincial and/or municipal governments are investing in their communities.

The Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream (BCSF) requires all funding recipients to meet federal signage requirements. Follow these step-by-step instructions to learn what’s required and how to create, install, maintain, remove and report on your signage.

Step 1: Learn about signage types and download templates

Signage options include physical and digital. You must use physical signage unless we have approved you to use digital signage only (see the Exceptions for digital only signage section below to learn more). This is because physical signs provide the clearest, most tangible recognition of federal and partner contributions towards infrastructure projects.

Signage must include all content in both French and English to comply with Canada’s Official Languages Act. We will provide your project title in French and English for use in your signage.

Physical signage

Physical signage is required unless we have approved you to use digital signage only.

The two types of physical signage that are or may be required are:

• Multi-partner signage
• Permanent plaques

Multi-partner signage

Multi-partner signage is the main type of physical signage and is used if the Government of Canada is the only funder, or if there are multiple funders. A multi-partner sign is usually a large noticeboard placed near a project that tells the public about the scope and purpose of the construction.

Permanent plaques

Permanent plaques are permanently installed at a project site once all construction has been completed and the site is open to the public.

Exceptions for digital only signage

You may not require physical signage if:

• your project begins and ends in under seven days
• your project is located in a remote area with limited public access or visibility
• your project represents a modest investment
• a physical sign is not possible

If you do not think physical signage is suitable for your project, contact us to request approval to use digital signage only.

Digital signage

If we have approved you to use digital signage only, you are required to use it. If you are also using physical signage, digital signage is optional.

The three types of digital signage are:

• Social media images
• Website buttons
• Information board sign

Social media images

Social media images are images that are posted on the social media channels of the organization that is receiving funding through BCSF. They use the same template as the physical multi-partner signage.

Website buttons

Website buttons are thumbnail web page images that link to PacifiCan’s website. They cannot be used as the only signage type, even if we have approved you to use digital signage only, as they do not contain project details.

Information board sign

Information board signs are digital versions of physical multi-partner signage which can be placed on a digital information board or screen inside a facility close to the project site.

Information board signs are optional.

Step 2: Fill in a signage template and submit it for approval

The table below outlines the template or download you need for different types of physical and digital signage.

When you fill in a multi-partner signage template, you must submit it to us for approval.

Fill in a signage template

To fill in the multi-partner signage template:

1. select the template option from the Multi-partner signage template download package that suits your needs (e.g., bilingual, trilingual or quadrilingual)
   • Always use the version that includes “EN-FR” in the file name to ensure the English content is on the left and the French content is on the right.
2. fill in the template by updating:
   • the project title section in English and French
     • If you are using the trilingual or quadrilingual template, also include your additional language(s).
     • Text should be in Futura PT bold font. If you do not have Futura PT bold font, you can purchase it for download (nominal fee) or use Arial bold.
     • Project titles must be the same font size in all languages.
     • We will provide you with your project title in English and French.
   • the funding recognition bar
     • Include one logo for each funding partner.
     • All logos must be equal in size and prominence.
     • Logos must be displayed in the following order (as applicable):
       1. Government of Canada logo on the far left
       2. Provincial/territorial logo on the far right
       3. Other contributors’ logos in the centre, or on the right side if there is no provincial/territorial contribution

Do not modify the multi-partner signage template except as described above.

Submit your signage template for approval

Once your project is approved, we will send you an email that includes a link to these signage instructions. When you have filled in your signage template, respond to that email, attaching your customized signage file.

Indicate the size your signage will be once produced. Physical signs are typically 686 mm high by 1219 mm wide, but you can request approval to resize them to meet your site requirements.

We will review your signage file and approve it if it meets the signage requirements.

If your signage includes partner logos, check with each partner for approval requirements before using their logo.

Step 3: Produce, install, maintain, remove and report on your signage

Once your signage is approved, you will need to produce, install, maintain, remove and report on it.

Produce your signage

To produce your signage:

• Ensure the dimensions of multi-partner signage is 686 mm high by 1219 mm wide with 0.25” bleed and trim marks included. If we have approved you to use a different size, you may use those dimensions instead.
• Use the correct material:
  • Indoor or short-term outdoor signage: 4mm Coroplast
  • Long-term outdoor signage at community infrastructure constructions sites or local road projects: 10mm Coroplast or PVC integral foam
  • Arterial road, two-lane highway and multiple lane divided freeway signage: Aluminum or exterior 12 mm MDO plywood (crezan)
• Use Canadian suppliers and materials when possible.

Install your signage

Physical and digital signs must be:

• installed or added 30 days before construction begins
  • if you have already begun construction, the signs must be installed within one month of your project approval
• removed no earlier than 30 days after construction ends

Physical signage

Multi-partner signage must be:

• securely installed in a prominent area:
  • Signs must not obstruct traffic or cause safety concerns, especially near roads. Consult appropriate provincial and municipal authorities to ensure your signage is safe.
  • Signs must not be installed on third-party property without the owner’s permission.
• installed in an interior lobby or community facility if an exterior sign is not feasible

You may install a single sign if you have several similar projects in close proximity to each other.

Digital signage

• Social media images must be featured alongside social media posts that promote your project or milestone.
• Web buttons must be prominently featured on a web page that is dedicated to the project or that features projects under the same funding stream.
• Information board signs must be installed inside a facility close to the project site.

Maintain your signage

All signage must be:

• kept clean, legible and free from obstruction for the duration of the project
• kept in good condition
  • Replace any damaged or missing sings promptly with a new sign using the latest approved signage design templates found on Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s Project signage design templates page.

Remove your signage

All signage must be:

• removed no earlier than 30 days after construction ends
• recycled or disposed of in compliance with environmental guidelines

Report on your signage

As outlined in the requirements of your contribution agreement, you must:

• confirm your signage installation details
• provide photos of your signage once installed

Contact us

Visit Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada frequently asked questions about project signage page for a list of popular signage questions. 

If you have additional questions about signage requirements, please contact us at info@pacifican.gc.ca.