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While a motion was brought forward at Monday's Council meeting to
approve the signage proposal put forward by Corbin Design for the
downtown/directional signs in Saugeen Shores and the Gateway Sign for
Southampton, it was not to be.
Councillor Diane Huber proposed that the Southampton gateway sign be
removed the motion. "It would be better to deal with both signs at the
same time," she said. "There has been some consideration that
Southampton came up with a branding idea and it wasn't on the sign
proposal as presented. The wording or 'branding' for which Southampton
has been known for a number of years, "The Oldest Port on the Coast" was
eliminated. This is a branding that ties in the First Nations, the Metis,
the fact that Southampton was, and is a fishing port and a harbour. It
has historical significance."
She went on to point out that, "It would make sense to have a discussion
at the same time about both gateway signs rather than go ahead with the
motion, as is, that says "with minor revisions".
Councillor Luke Charbonneau agreed with Huber. "There is a difference
between branding and a logo. We need to identify and then create a logo.
Port Elgin has not taken off while Southampton is closer. Corbin, on the
other hand, is a sign builder not a designer. My feeling is that we
should take both signs back and look at them because they will be
20-year signs that are an important marketing tool and, at $40,000, they
are an important investment."
Councillor Fred Shildroth did not agree. "With Southampton, there wasn't
total consensus and, with Port Elgin, there was none. If we remove this
motion, what does that mean. Another public meeting? A Committee in Port
Elgin is already trying to make a decision. I don't agree. Anytime you
have any kind of consensus, I think you have to go with it."
Charbonneau added that there was a good branding with the lighthouse.
"What I suggest," he said "is that the Southampton sign is not as
flexible or usable as it should be ... we should go to a designer and
get that done and then ask Corbin to build the sign around it. It won't
stray far from the branding. (next column)
13/01/2009 04:22 PM |
(continued)
Huber suggested that it need not be a large expense. "I
just think they (P.E. & Southampton signs) should be thought about
together at the same time. Actually, we don't even need to replace the
Southampton sign as quickly anyway, as the one that is currently there
is well-lit, colourful and says everything we need to say. But I would
say, aren't both signs supposed to reflect the same community but with a
difference?"
Mayor Mike Smith, at that point, interjected. "Let's try and stay with
the motion."
Deputy Mayor, Doug Freiburger, agreed with Councillor Shildroth. "We
have had numerous public meetings so are we throwing those meetings out?
A consensus was made so why are we tossing that out?"
Mayor Mike Smith put the ball back in Huber's court. "What do you
suggest we do here with this motion?" Finally, after some discussion, it
was decided that there would be an amendment to the motion as put
forward by Councillors Huber and Charbonneau. The wording of the
amendment to the motion removed the reference to the Southampton sign
being approved stating that it would be finalized in conjunction with
the Port Elgin sign.
Therefore, the amended motion was carried by one vote.
Opposed were: Deputy Mayor Doug Freiburger, Councillor Fred Shildroth,
Councillor Victoria Serda
In favour were: Councillor Diane Huber, Councillor Luke Charbonneau,
Councillor Thead Seaman and Mayor Mike Smith
Absent: Vice Deputy Mayor Doug Gowanlock and Councillor Jane Barber
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