A
certain report on a recent City Council agenda caught my attention.
This report may only be about a single sign proposal, but this
underestimates how controversial this report might become. This
particular sign raises many important issues. I hope it provokes a
meaty community conversation.
The proposed sign is a standalone video display sign for our very popular Tournament Capital Centre (TCC). It would be placed along McGill Road and is 3 times taller and 5 times bigger overall than the maximum sign sizes currently allowed in Kamloops. Our current city bylaws also prohibit video displays on signs.
City Parks and Recreation Director Byron McCorkell would like to be able to better promote events happening at the TCC. Additionally, on the sign, there would be recognition of corporate sponsors of events at the TCC.
The first issue that came to mind for me about the sign was whether, in these economic times, taxpayers should be spending $24 000 for sign related road safety measures, such as a new median. The sign itself will cost $130 000, which comes from a provincial government grant.
The Development and Engineering Services department raised a couple of other issues. The first was traffic safety, as video display signs have been known to increase the level of traffic accidents as drivers take their attention off the road. The second was a potential increase in sign pollution. If City Hall has allowed itself to have a much larger sign than currently allowed, a sign with video and animation, there will likely be others who will push to be allowed these features as well. The City has tried to address those concerns. It will be up to concerned citizens to let them know if they have succeeded.
Council is now asking for public comment on the proposed sign. Contact the Development and Engineering department for more information or to provide feedback - 250 828 3561.
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