In the competitive business landscape of Oshawa, your physical presence is often your first and most powerful marketing tool. AGC Signs has been a staple in the Durham Region for over a decade, providing end-to-end custom signage solutions that bridge the gap between a business and its customers.
Whether you are a new startup looking for your first storefront sign or an established corporation needing a massive pylon structure, understanding the nuances of local bylaws, materials, and design is essential.
This guide covers everything you need to know about professional signage in Oshawa and how to ensure your investment drives real results.
Contact us today to get started on your 2026 sign project.
Key Takeaways
If you are in a hurry, here are the most important things to know about custom signage in Oshawa:
In-House is Better: AGC Signs handles design, manufacturing, and installation in-house. This means no subcontractors, fewer delays, and higher quality control.
Bylaws are Non-Negotiable: The City of Oshawa has specific regulations regarding sign size and placement; working with a local expert ensures you avoid fines.
Signage is Multi-Layered: A combination of storefront, pylon, and interior signs creates a "complete" brand experience that boosts sales.
Longevity Matters: While "cheap" signs exist, investing in high-quality materials reduces long-term maintenance costs and keeps your brand looking professional for years.
1. The Full-Service Advantage
When you partner with AGC Signs, you aren't just hiring a printer; you are hiring a dedicated team that manages your project from conception to completion.
Most signage companies act as "middlemen" who outsource their labour, leading to higher costs and scheduling delays.
At AGC, we do things differently:
In-House Manufacturing: Every sign is built in our local 2,200-square-foot facility using state-of-the-art equipment.
No Subcontractors: Our own highly trained technicians handle the installation, ensuring the job is done safely and correctly.
Design Expertise: We don't just "print files"; our graphic team ensures your branding is optimized for legibility and local impact.
Lifetime Support: From initial design to repairs and maintenance years down the road, we remain your single point of contact.
2. Essential Signage Types for Oshawa Businesses
Different types of signage have different benefits for your business. Using a combination of custom signs can increase your visibility, traffic, and even your sales.
Depending on your particular location, company, and needs, you could consider adding one or more of these different types of signage.
Storefront Signs:
An attractive storefront sign is probably your most effective way of advertising your business.
It lets people know where you are, what you do, and it can give customers a sense of the culture of your company.
Your storefront sign may be the first contact you have with potential customers, so make sure that it is a great first impression!
Pylon or Monument Signs:
The main difference between pylons and monument signs is their height. Pylon signs are much taller than monument signs. Both pylon and monument signs are especially helpful if your building:
Is set back from the road
Has a parking lot in front of it
Has a long driveway
Is blocked by trees, another building, or other obstructions
Is smaller and surrounded by larger buildings
Erecting a pylon or monument sign next to the road will tell passing motorists and pedestrians where you are located.
Interior Signage:
Interior signage is another extremely effective way of marketing your business. It complements your exterior signage, and it can also help your customers:
Find what they are looking for
Learn about your current promotions and sales
Remain engaged while waiting in a line
Recognize your brand image
Interior signage can help your customers feel more at home and comfortable in your facility, which is a good thing! A relaxed customer is more likely to stay longer and use or purchase your products or services.
3. Navigating Local Bylaws & Permits
In the city of Oshawa, you cannot simply hang a sign and hope for the best. The City of Oshawa enforces Sign By-law 72-96, which was recently updated with revised fees for 2026.
What you need to know about Oshawa permits:
Setbacks: Most ground signs require a minimum 1m front yard setback and 7.5m from residential zones.
Sight Triangles: Signs cannot be placed within "sight triangles" (3m from driveways or 6m from corners) to ensure motorist safety.
Application Requirements: To get a permit, you must submit scaled plans, site surveys, and often an Ontario Building Code design information sheet.
Prohibited Signs: Flashing lights or signs that obstruct pedestrian traffic are strictly prohibited in most zones.
The AGC Benefit: We handle the entire permit process for you. We know the City of Oshawa’s Planning and Building Services departments, and ensure your design is compliant before it ever hits the production floor.
4. Cost Factors: What to Expect
While every project is custom, most businesses in the Durham Region should budget between $2,500 and $10,000 for a high-quality, storefront sign.
| Sign Type | Estimated Price Range (2026) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Banners & Graphics | $200 – $1,500 | Temporary promotions, windows & events |
| Storefront Fascia Signs | $2,500 – $8,000+ | Primary business brand identification |
| Monument Signs | $5,000 – $25,000+ | Entrance ways & professional business parks |
| Pylon Signs | $10,000 – $50,000+ | Maximum roadside visibility for high-traffic areas |
What drives the price?
Materials: Aluminum and acrylic offer long-term durability, whereas vinyl is a lower-cost, shorter-term option.
Illumination: Internally lit LED signs have a higher upfront cost but significantly lower energy and maintenance bills.
Permit Fees: Oshawa building permit fees for signs are calculated by square footage and increased by approximately 3% starting January 1, 2026.
Custom Signage Oshawa: Trust AGC Signs
AGC Signs is a locally owned and operated custom sign company.
We have been living and working in the Oshawa Region for more than a decade. We know the area and are familiar with what works best for signage, whatever your business may be.
We have extensive experience in all forms of custom commercial signage design, manufacturing, installation, and service. You can trust us with all of your signage projects.
Custom Signage Oshawa: AGC Signs
860 Brock Rd #8, Pickering, ON L1W 3X3
Phone: 416-427-3727 Fax: 905-239-0224
Even though our office is in Pickering, we service the entire Oshawa area, Durham Region, as well as Toronto and surrounding areas.
“We recently purchased three signs for our business and dealt with Suzanne throughout the process. The service provided was excellent and professional. The installation went perfectly as well with Zeina. We recommend AGC Signs!”
