I really don't know about this 3D advertising ban. There are almost always 3D billboards along the Gardiner for airlines.
I don't blame you for being skeptical, I was surprised when i read it, too. I think it's a situation rather like being open on Boxing Day, no action is taken unless there is a complaint, and you'd want to be a huge lame-o to complain.
Well, here's your lame-os.
http://illegalsigns.ca/2007/02/19/ad-nauseum-three-dimensional-billboards/
They even mention the Dairy Milk sign.
In Dundas Square, Titan Outdoor has erected an illegal 3D display for Dairy Milk. While a site-specific exemption to the by-law allows very limited three dimensional signage at this location, this sign is operating under permit 01-1150908 and that permit regulates all roof-top signage at this location. The permit allows signs that conform to this diagram, a diagram that does not permit the Dairy Milk 3D elements. Because the permit is open, we sent the building inspector to inspect the signs. We have not pressed for the removal of this sign although we advise Titan Outdoor to cease and desist from using this space, or any other space, for illegal 3D displays regardless of whether a variance application has been filed.
So wait, a variance has been applied for, and yet they still threaten and send in the city inspector? I truly hate these people.
Exactly. Except they are not anti-corporate, they just fight to keep the Canadian law system accountable to big or small corporations, which have grown accustomed to decreased regulation. They would be more than happy to challenge even a small business that puts up an illegal sign.
Rubbish. Don't try and tell me it's not the anti-corporate Adbusters set doing this. I refuse to believe these same people would work toward the enforcement of panhadling bylaws. I don't care much for either of these laws for the record, but there's no way this isn't anti-advertising interest group. They're just using bylaws to help with their "culture jamming". Barf.
If there's a sign in your neighbourhood which is causing you grief, by all means tell city hall, but to go around taking pictures of
people cutting down trees around signs (were they on a stake out? Did they get a tip-off that this might happen? Or do they spend all day, every day hanging around signs because something like this
might happen?) is almost sad. And to call them "CBS Outdoor’s Butchers" is ridiculously overly dramatic.
These people obviously hate outdoor advertising, and fine. Just don't try and tell me they're only interested in standing up for the law (as is evident in their
appreciation of vandalizing of outdoor signs).