Small business owners along West Queen West in downtown Toronto, Ont., say steep fines for A-frame signs are highlighting issues with the City of Toronto’s licensing system.

According to a detailed report by Pat Taney for CityNews, several businesses between Bathurst Street and Gladstone Avenue were issued fines of up to $830 for displaying sidewalk signs without valid permits.

Janet Wright, owner of Floor Play Socks, told CityNews she received the maximum penalty after failing to renew her permit this year. She added that the city typically sends renewal reminders, which she did not receive this time.

A hefty fine

Under municipal bylaws, businesses must apply annually for A-frame sign permits to manage sidewalk use and maintain clear sightlines. City staff said enforcement followed complaints, with Municipal Licensing and Standards officers first issuing warnings in February. As reported by CityNews, officers revisited 44 businesses in March—twenty-eight had complied and six were in the process of applying. The City fined ten businesses that didn’t comply.

Some owners argue that the application process is too complex. Wright told Taney that she spent more than six hours attempting to complete the online form. Kate Hancock, owner of Hugs and Sarcasm, told CityNews the requirements—including landlord and Business Improvement Area (BIA) approvals—are difficult to manage while running a small business.

Robert Sysak, president of the West Queen West BIA, said he is in discussions with city officials to review both the fines and the application process. Business owners have also raised concerns about inconsistent enforcement, pointing to unlicensed vendors operating in Trinity Bellwoods Park. The issue comes as the city promotes local business districts ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with some owners questioning how enforcement aligns with that goal.

Read the full original report here: https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/04/06/small-business-owners-on-queen-west-face-steep-fines-for-a-frame-signs/

Watch Pat Taney report for CityNews here: https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2026/04/06/small-business-owners-face-steep-fines-for-a-frame-signs/