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Stettler council bans signs along Hwy 12 through town

Vote split 4-3
13877676_web1_181009-STI-M-SignsStettler

^ UPDATED: Oct. 10 11:44 a.m.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story stated that signs from non-profit groups will be allowed.

In a split 4-3 vote Stettler town council voted in favour of banning signs along Hwy. 12 through town from Smitty’s to No Frills.

During its regular meeting Oct. 2 council gave second and third reading to the bylaw re-designating the land to parkland, which means no portable or inflatable signs will be allowed.

“That’s one of our best-manicured areas in town and it’s kind of a showpiece,” said Mayor Sean Nolls. “I don’t know if the issue will stop there. It certainly lets people know it was an issue and we have dealt with it.”

In 2010 and 2014 the majority of residents – 86 per cent and 81 per cent respectively – were in favour of portable signs. The opinion recently shifted, however, against.

The town held a public hearing in September and received 19 letters of support of the town’s proposed bylaw and six letters opposed. About 25 people attended the public hearing. Six spoke against the bylaw and one spoke in favour.

The bylaw re-designates the land from 5804 – 47 Ave. to 5100 – 47 Ave., preventing portable or inflatable signs.

“We will make sure there is an appropriate area for the non-profits so they don’t get thrown to the wayside, that there is an appropriate high traffic area because the non-profits in this town are really important to us,” said Mayor Nolls.

The signs currently along that strip will remain until their permit for the signs expires.

RELATED:

Residents divided on allowing signs along highway https://www.stettlerindependent.com/editorials-opinion/residents-divided-on-allowing-signs-along-highway/

Portable signs a hot-button issue in Stettler for almost a decade https://www.stettlerindependent.com/news/portable-signs-a-hot-button-issue-in-stettler-for-almost-a-decade-2/

In split vote Stettler council takes first step to banning signs along Hwy 12 https://www.stettlerindependent.com/news/in-split-vote-stettler-council-takes-first-step-to-banning-signs-along-hwy-12/