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All signs soon to require permits or licensing |
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Saugeen Shores Town Council meeting Monday night spent a large part debating the pros and cons of the proposed signage By-law and amendment. From 'sandwich' boards to hanging signs, it appears that the town is about to clamp down on anyone who erects a sign without permission or license permit. For complete By-law Click here Monday's Council meeting began with a deputation by Ken Dunlop of Dunblane and Turner, a factory in Port Elgin that has provided lettered and 'logo(ed)' T-shirts, uniforms, hats and other memorabilia to sports teams, corporations and local businesses and who came before council Monday night to request permission for sandwich board advertising. According to the factory owner, the company has held an annual spring sale for 19 years and depends on sandwich board notices as the factory is located well off the main streets in Port Elgin. Under the By-law regulations, the sandwich boards are illegal and he was notified that such was the case by the By-law Enforcement Officer and, therefore, after 19 years, came before Council to ask for permission. For Dunlop's complete presentation to council, Read here. Dunlop pointed out that the company is a major employer and tax-payer in the community There are 17 pages of regulations in the By-laws pertaining to signage, permits, penalties, restrictions of sizing, etc. To read all regulations, Click here Councilors Charbonneau and Serda also pointed out that several communities have moved toward perpendicular signage in order to promote tourism. "These signs are the best for downtown cores," said Charbonneau, "and we need to allow businesses to have this opportunity erect these kinds of signs." Serda agreed. "It's the direction a lot of communities are moving in so that traffic and visitors can see what is available as they move through a community." Councilor Taun Frosst pointed out it was the method of signage in earlier times and ... "it's back again and I think it's a great idea." "Off street businesses worries me," said Councilor Diane Huber representing Southampton. "It could apply to a lot more than just 'Dunblane and Turner'. I don't want to set something up that may allow sandwich boards all along the highway."
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"We have non-conforming signs which were to be corrected and that didn't happen," Huber added. "We let businesses put up signs that are non-conforming and there are a lot of signs by private activities, such as the P.R.A.N.C.E. craft show, the Schendel and Sullivan Warehouse Sale with a signed truck, other signs on utility poles for private businesses, and companies that advertise show homes directing people off the highway. So, why is there such a fuss about Dunblane & Turner - a company that has been here for 20 years and that, at the very least, is a company that's been a decent tax payer for a number of years?" "I support finding a way to let people have off-street advertising on the main streets," said Vice-deputy Mayor, Doug Gowanlock. "We have to be fair to everybody though and the best way to accommodate the intent of the sign By-law, which is to decrease clutter, would be to pass what we need tonight and then come back after Jim Bell {of the town} has looked at a complete licensing system." The matter will come back before council.
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Tuesday, May 11, 2010 |
