911 Civic Signage
What is a Civic Address?
A civic address is an identification system using a consistent method to address and locate buildings quickly and easily. The three main components are the Civic Number, Street Name and the Community Name.
Why should I have a civic sign?
Having a civic sign properly displayed assists fast emergency response for Fire Service, Ambulance Service and Police Service.
It is also helpful for delivering vehicles and for you giving directions to your home.
Civic Signs Saves Lives!
The Municipality of Argyle offers free double-sided blue reflective civic number signs and charges $23.50 for posts to its residents. There are a limited number of signs and posts available to residents of the Municipality of Argyle, and these are on a first-come, first-served basis.
To download the 911 Civic Signage Program application form and guidelines for installing your sign, click on the link below or contact Property Inspection and Public Works at (902) 648-2623 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Civic Sign Program Application and Guidelines
pdf Download – 911 Civic Signage Program Application (193 KB)
How it works:
New civic numbers are assigned during the building permit application process. Once a permit is issued, and generally, after the first inspection, a civic number will be assigned.
Each street or road is divided into intervals or sections of ten meters (thirty-three feet) with each interval being assigned two numbers; an odd number on one side and an even number
Which signs are best?
- Use Arabic (1,2,3…) numerals
- Signs which are double-sided and reflective with white letters on a blue background are ideal. There are other alternatives, such as a sign which has a dark background and light numerals that is effectively lit during the hours of darkness.
- If your civic number sign (either on the building or a post) is within 15 m (50 feet) of the roadway, the numbers should not be less than 65 mm (2.5 inches) tall.
- If your civic number sign (either on the building or a post) is more than 15 m (50 feet) from the roadway, the numbers should not be less than 100 mm (4 inches) tall.
How do I know it’s placed correctly?
If you have a mailbox on the same side of the road as your house, you can post your civic sign from either the top or the bottom of your mailbox in a manner that is clearly visible from both directions of the road.
Put your numbers at least 1.2 m (48 inches) from the ground, clearly visible from the road way, post your numbers on a sign with 5 m (15 feet) of the road.
Using your number:
When making an emergency call, you must confirm the civic address:
- the civic number
- street name
- community name for the emergency location