Why do properly posted civic numbers matter?

Posted on:
November 20, 2025

A clearly posted civic number is not just helpful, it’s a matter of safety 

Victoria County is reminding residents about the importance of clearly displaying civic address signs at their property. 

Emergency services depend on visible civic address signs to find the right location during an emergency. If your civic address is missing or hard to see, first responders may be delayed by minutes. 

Properly posted reflective signs make your home easier to locate at night or in poor weather. Emergency vehicles often rely on headlights to spot numbers from the road and if yours isn’t visible, responders may be forced to slow down, double back or call for clarification wasting valuable time. 

Vicotria County recommends the following checklist for all residents: 

• Post your civic number at the entrance to your driveway, 

• Ensure the number is visible from the road in all seasons, 

• Use reflective numbers on signs for nighttime visibility, 

• Regularly check that your sign is not blocked by snow, trees or decorations. 

Residents are also encouraged to speak with neighbours, friends and family members, especially seniors, about the importance of having a visible civic address sign. 

Having a clearly posted civic number is not just helpful. It’s a matter of safety. 

Civic address management in Victoria County

In Victoria County, civic addresses are assigned and maintained by the Eastern District Planning Commission (EDPC). If you are not sure of your civic address, contact their Civic Addressing Coordinator.  

Here are guidelines for posting your civic address:  

• Civic numbers must be in Arabic numerals (12, not: XII or Twelve) 

• Have at least 48 inches between the bottom of the numbers and the ground. 

• The colour of the numbers must be reflective and clearly contrast the background. White numbers on a blue background work best. 

For more information about civic address signs contact: 
 
David MacKenzie 
Senior Building and Fire Inspector 
email: dmackenzie@edpc.ca 
Phone: 902-295-2900 

Civic address resources: 

• Eastern District Planning Commission  
  https://edpc.ca/civic-addressing/ 
• Posting your civic number (EDPC)  
  https://edpc.ca/civic/Civic_Number_Posting.pdf 
• Civic address: posting and sign suppliers (Province of Nova Scotia)  
  https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/civic-address-posting-and-sign-suppliers 
• The Municipality of Victoria County Civic Addressing By-Law  
  https://victoriacounty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Civic-Addressing-By-law.pdf