They won’t be flashy, but the city is hoping new signage will still catch people’s attention.
A plan initially called for digital gateway signs on Highway 12/Coldwater Road and Highway 12/Atherley Road. However, due to miscommunication from the province, it was learned the Ministry of Transportation does not allow those types of signs on provincial highways.
Now, as part of the next phase of the city’s wayfinding program, new non-digital gateway signs will be installed, replacing existing signs at the following locations: Highway 12/Coldwater Road near the Food Basics plaza, Highway 12/Atherley Road near the Narrows bridge, Memorial Avenue near Georgian College, Old Barrie Road near Line 15, and Laclie Street near Sundial Drive.
Coun. Rob Kloostra is glad the signs won’t be digital.
“We do have a lot of light pollution at this time,” he said, adding he has received plenty of complaints about a large digital sign on Memorial Avenue near Progress Drive.
Others are hoping the city can eventually install some kind of digital signage.
Coun. Ralph Cipolla asked why Burl’s Creek is able to have a large digital sign along Highway 11.
The owners applied for a permit for a location sign, he was told, which only allows the advertising of events happening on that property.
Cipolla wanted to see something similar at Tudhope Park, home to the popular Mariposa Folk Festival.
Michael Ladouceur, the city’s manager of tourism and special events, said staff are working toward getting a digital location sign there as part of the Tudhope Park improvement project.
As for the five new signs being installed, “we’re happy with them,” Ladouceur said.
“It links back to the history — the heritage brick that Orillia is becoming known for,” he said. “It’s a great way to represent our new brand.”
Council previously approved a $350,000 budget for the signs, but that was when they were expected to be digital. So, there will be savings.
“With manufacturing and labour costs rising due to COVID-19, the full financial savings will not be known until the project is tendered,” Ladouceur wrote in a report to council committee.
