Local Community Advertising
On Monday, City Council unanimously approved a new by-law governing business signs throughout the city.
The new bylaw makes clear where signs can be placed and what kind of signs are allowed for the area.
Portable signs designed for temporary use have long been a popular advertising tool for businesses along Harvey Avenue and Highway 33, but city officials have little desire for them, saying the signs are not “keeping with the desired appearance of our city” in the bylaw report.
Councilor Gail Given said the portable signs are intended to be temporary, however many businesses are using them in a more permanent way.
“I’m glad to see we’re still allowing temporary signs, but they should be used for their proper intention,” commented Given.
The longest permit a business can obtain for a portable sign is 90 days, however, many businesses are said to have continued using a temporary sign for years.
To enforce the new signage regulations, the city will hire a new officer to deal with signage, paid for by a substantial increase in fee and fines approved in the new bylaw.
The city will no longer consider digital LED signs either, except those on institutional properties and text based signs.
Also covered in the new bylaw is a limit of six months for real estate signs.
To read the full report to council on the new bylaw, click here.
Local Community Advertising