A proposed sign bylaw amendment aims to stop electronic message centre signage from sprouting up in Colwood in future.
City planning director Iain Bourhill presented the proposal during a land use and planning committee meeting on Tuesday.
The amendments would prevent any new large, flashing and scrolling digital signs B次元官网网址� similar to the video board in front of West Shore Parks and Recreation on Island Highway B次元官网网址� from being installed in the city.
Often characterized by flat-screen video monitors with LED displays, the digital signs can be distracting for drivers, especially in the evening, says committee member, Coun. Gordie Logan.
B次元官网网址淭here has been (that) argument,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淭hey draw your eye, which takes your focus off the road when youB次元官网网址檙e driving or cycling. That is (one) issue that has been raised, as well as the reflection, glow and glare.B次元官网网址�
Under the proposed amendment, West Shore Parks and Recreation would have its EMC sign use grandfathered since their sign is already in place. The existing sign bylaw generally permits the EMC signs in commercial zones, the bulk of which are located along Island Highway/Sooke Road.
Of ColwoodB次元官网网址檚 59 motor vehicle incidents in 2014, 32 happened on that roadway, where most of the heavy signage is located.
An engineerB次元官网网址檚 report pointed to Sooke RoadB次元官网网址檚 median speed being more than 50 km per hour, with volume of more than 24,000 vehicles per day.
Logan said there are reasons besides safety why the signs may no longer be welcomed, as well.
B次元官网网址淲e need to turn our heads to how we want to see our city centre and how other areas of Colwood look. Do we want it to look like the Vegas strip, with a lot of electronic signs?B次元官网网址� he asked. B次元官网网址淥r do we want it tasteful, like the sign at DennyB次元官网网址檚 for example, something that defines Colwood thatB次元官网网址檚 not overbearing. When weB次元官网网址檙e looking at this, weB次元官网网址檙e looking long term.B次元官网网址�
Work on crafting an amended sign bylaw began in February 2012, after council asked staff to create some options for councilB次元官网网址檚 consideration. These proposed amendments are a result of that process.
B次元官网网址淚 think there are other ways for business to put themselves out there and market themselves other than electronic signs,B次元官网网址� Logan said.
Bourhill said during his presentation that the city is interested in taking a proactive approach and presenting the amendment to the public before bringing a finalized version to council for approval.
