Town to examine allowing more event signage

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Signs, signs, everywhere there’s not a sign...

That play on the main chorus from the 1970s hit from Canadian rockers The Five Man Electrical Band sums up the thrust of what a motion passed by Tillsonburg council is looking into changing. More specifically, the motion put forward by Coun. Kelly Spencer read: “that staff be directed to report back on options for enhanced physical and/or digital municipal signage to improve communication of community announcements and events, including cost estimates, location analysis, and implementation considerations.”

Speaking to her motion, Spencer started by praising town staff for their social media, further explaining, “People keep asking for banners or signs, I’m not sure if people don’t see the social media. This request has come through several times by several different people.”

Spencer said she likes banners across the road, although she realizes many don’t. She pointed out the BIA has digital signage, but it is outdated and maybe it could be collaboratively updated.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy said she won’t be supporting the motion, noting it would require a policy and there were some issues in the past about what types of banners can be displayed.

The mayor noted oil prices are increasing, which will impact paving and the budget.

“This is the last year of council, we shouldn’t be spending time on non-budgeted items,” she said. “Staff time is limited and very valuable, and staff have budgeted items to work on.”

Gilvesy pointed out digital signs can be distracting to drivers.

Coun. Chris Rosehart presented another option.

“They can always rent portable signs for the time being,” she suggested. “There are people in town who have portable signs, and if you approach them, they don’t mind changing their signs to an event for the community. There are some signs out there that could be used.”

Spencer said this was a possibility as well, adding a report on signage possibilities could work with the township sponsorship policy that is being examined.

Council passed the resolution with a split vote.