The County of Wellington has officially launched its first ever Wellington Signage Plan project.
Approved in the county’s 2015 economic development budget, the plan will utilize signs to create a unified look and feel across Wellington County and distinguish Wellington from its neighbouring municipalities.
In addition, the initiative will create a for-profit program that local businesses can use to leverage their exposure.
“The county takes great pride in all aspects of its capital projects,” said Wellington County economic development officer Jana Reichert. “We know this signage plan will be in accordance with this and be reflective of our history and our strengths as a region.”
The plan will incorporate three phases over the next several years. The phases are defined as entrance signs on county boundary roads, directional/wayfinding signage and business/tourism signage.
The county plan is engaging residents and businesses through an online survey (www.wellington.ca/signage) and public information sessions throughout the summer. Those living in the north end of the county participated in two focus groups on July 22 in Harriston and Fergus. Two additional focus groups will be held on Aug. 5:
– at Centre 2000, 14 Boland Drive, Erin, 9 to 11 am; and
– at the Puslinch Community Centre, 23 Brock Road South, Aberfoyle, 1 to 3pm.
The county states it is working closely with member municipalities, “recognizing that communities are at different stages with respect to signage and that each has a distinct identity.”
In 2014 as part of its Business Retention and Expansion project, the county conducted 278 in-person interviews to help it identify and focus on the most important issues. Signage and promotion of the community was a top priority.
Noted in one response, “One does not know where the county starts and stops and more importantly, how Wellington differentiates itself from its neighbours.” Wellington is unique in that it has the most neighbours in Ontario.
A draft plan is expected to be ready for early fall.
