Bill 43: An Act to Amend the Highway Act

This bill primarily affects businesses in New Brunswick — particularly retailers, hospitality operators, tourism attractions, restaurants, and any other enterprise that advertises along provincial or provincial-municipal highways using roadside signage. If you run a small tourism outfit, a campground, a farm stand, or a local business that relies on a billboard or directional sign near a highway to draw in passing traffic, you'll now need to apply for a permit from the Minister for each sign within 150 metres of the road's edge. Tourism businesses can apply for government-manufactured and maintained TOD signs, but will pay an annual maintenance fee and must meet ongoing eligibility requirements. Non-compliant signs can be removed without warning if deemed hazardous, and failing to comply with a notice can result in escalating daily fines and cost recovery by the Crown.