Sign dispute reflects ongoing construction challenges for businesses

Rita Hollis, owner of Reiker by LJ Shoes (left), and Leah Thomas, owner of Suzanne's of Paris, stand beside the black-screened construction fencing on Grand River Street North where they had installed promotional signs to help customers find their businesses during the ongoing downtown reconstruction. The signs were later removed, prompting a discussion between the business owners and the County of Brant over signage policies on the contractor-owned fencing.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

A disagreement over signs attached to construction fencing in downtown Paris has sparked a broader conversation about how businesses are promoted during the County of Brant's ongoing downtown reconstruction project.

The issue came to public attention after an interaction between County representatives and a few downtown business owners on Monday, July 13, regarding signs that had been installed on construction fencing outside their stores. While the exchange prompted discussion within the community, both the County and the business owners say the dispute centres on signage policies.

The concerns outlined in this article reflect the views of the two business owners involved in the incident and are not necessarily representative of all downtown businesses affected by the construction project. The Paris Independent did not reach out to all businesses for comments. 

Earlier this month, when the downtown promenade opened and construction fencing was removed from a portion of Grand River Street North, the remaining fenced construction area was covered with black screening. The screening was installed, in part, to improve the appearance of the construction zone and shield equipment from public view.

Leah Thomas, owner of Suzanne's of Paris, said she and Rita Hollis, owner of Reiker by LJ Shoes, attached their own promotional signs to the black-screened construction fencing after it was installed. Thomas said the solid black barrier created the impression that the street ended, making it more difficult for customers to realize businesses beyond the fencing remained open.

"Myself, Leah Thomas, and Rita the owner from Reiker shoes put up our signs when the black tarp went up on the fence," explained Thomas. "It [the tarp] made the street look like it ended there." 

Because fencing remains in front of both businesses, Thomas said they wanted customers to know the stores remained open despite the construction.

"It's very important the signs go back up as it directed customers to know shopping doesn't end at the black wall," she said. 

Thomas said the prolonged downtown reconstruction continues to affect businesses financially.

"Sales are down. Traffic flow reduced," she said, adding business owners have endured two years of construction with no direct financial compensation beyond loan opportunities. She also expressed frustration over what she described as delays in implementing wayfinding signage into downtown after raising the issue with the County earlier this year.

"This should have been completed before construction started! It's funny how the town and the construction companies can put up signage when they are not the ones losing business or pay checks," Thomas said. 

Thomas also questioned why business signs were removed while other signage remained on the fencing.

"When I asked Erica [the downtown dig liaison] why the removal of the signs, she said there was no room for them. So, I said but there is for the town’s signs and the construction company’s signs? She said if she did it for us where would it end?” Thomas questions, why should it end? “Shouldn't anyone’s business affected downtown be able to put up a sign if it helps get us through the second year of construction?" Thomas asked. 

The County of Brant, however, says the issue is governed by an established approval process because the fencing is owned by the project's contractor, Navacon, rather than the municipality.

According to a County spokesperson, all signage requests for the fencing must be coordinated through the Downtown Construction Liaison and the contractor.

"The fencing is owned/leased and installed by Navacon, the contractor responsible for the project, and not by the County of Brant," the spokesperson said.

The County explained it has worked with Navacon throughout construction to install fencing signage focused on public safety, project information, local heritage features and promotional messaging benefiting the downtown as a whole, including "Businesses Are Open," "Shop Local" messaging, free parking information and downtown business directories. 

County officials said businesses have been advised they may use fencing panels outside their storefronts with prior approval, provided the signage is coordinated with neighbouring businesses and existing County messaging.

According to the County, the signs installed by the two businesses replaced County-installed promotional signage without following the established approval process.

"Recently, County-installed signage was removed and replaced with signage featuring a limited number of businesses. This change was not coordinated through the established process or communicated to the County," the spokesperson said. 

The County said its downtown directory signs, located at six locations throughout the core, are intended to promote every downtown business equally. Paper directories are also distributed through local businesses, County facilities, tourism locations and outdoor kiosks, while online versions are also available. 

Officials added that businesses have several other options to promote themselves during construction, including social media marketing, collaborative promotions with neighbouring businesses, pop-up events on the downtown promenade and improvements funded through the County's Community Improvement Program, which nine businesses have accessed over the past two years.  The County also noted businesses may display one sandwich board sign in accordance with the municipal sign bylaw, provided it is located near the storefront, maintains required sidewalk clearance and is displayed only during business hours. 

County officials said they remain committed to supporting downtown businesses throughout the reconstruction project and continue to encourage businesses to contact the Economic Development and Tourism team with requests for signage or promotional opportunities.

"When the project began, all businesses were invited to provide input into signage needs. The process for using the construction fencing has remained consistent with last year and is intended to ensure a coordinated and fair approach," the spokesperson said. 

Thomas said she was not aware that Navacon owned the fencing and said it was not pointed out to her until councillor John Bell reached out via social media. Thomas added that she plans to speak with Navacon about the signage and construction fencing in hopes of having the business signs reinstated.