Portable signs to promote businesses and events have been sprouting up in the Town of Stettler like dandelions and that has raised concerns for town officials, residents and motorists.
Spring has surely sprung and these portable and A-signs (sandwich boards) have dominated the local landscape along our major roadways and Main Street downtown.
Advertising and signage is definitely a vital part of promoting business and the community.
Yet when the number of signs increases in concentrated areas along roadways, intersections, crosswalks, sidewalks and pathways, it poses a potential safety hazard for people.
While town council supports signs that promote the community, they also recognize that these signs need to be controlled with regard to where they are located, time limits and fees.
All stakeholders need to cooperate to ensure the signs are properly located and that they enhance the community without distracting drivers and putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk.
While council invites suggestions from all partners and citizens, council may also consider a constructive meeting with interested and affected people to discuss the issue and develop a strategy and plan to regulate portable signs and A-signs.
Perhaps as one of the options, community partners could develop two or three prime locations for some kind of monument where community groups can promote an event and businesses can advertise for short periods of time (perhaps a week or two).
It appears council wants sandwich board signs eliminated on Main Street and roadways with few exceptions, including those referring to community events such as hockey and blood donor clinics and only on the day of the event.
One needs to recognize the justification for this concern: While Main Street businesses are important to the community, town council has the responsibility to ensure that Main Street, as a showcase representing our community, has to be kept tidy and appealing.
This aesthetic consideration also goes for the portable signs.
After all, weren’t portable signs designed to be located for a very short term – up to two or three weeks – to promote a community event?
Certainly there are more-efficient and economical ways to promote short-term events, considering the growing media network.
Since signs reflect the business and community, let’s ensure they are attractive – not handwritten messages on rickety wood panels.
Let’s all work together to promote our community and while enhancing it at the same time.
— Richard Froese