Questions, though relatively minor, continue regarding Centre Wellington’s consolidated sign bylaw.
In December, council adopted recommendations to execute a consolidated sign bylaw.
On Jan. 28, council had a chance to review the final draft of the proposed amended and consolidated bylaw.
New sign permit fees for temporary community event signs are included in the township’s fees and charges bylaws.
The bylaw includes definitions of various types of signs used throughout the municipality, how the bylaw will be administered, types of signs not requiring permits, and which types of signs are prohibited in the township.
Maps provided as part of the bylaw illustrate which areas are controlled by the province such as Highway 6; Wellington County for county roads and the township, the remainder of Centre Wellington.
CAO Andy Goldie explained the update was generated to address previous council questions which have been corrected.
One question raised by councillor Fred Morris related to the Elora map defining the central business district of community.
Morris asked if the map encompassed all of the property owned by Landmark Holdings.
Not yet, said planner Brett Salmon.
Morris then asked if it would be prudent to adjust the boundary before that development begins.
Salmon said the development “is a long way from putting up any signs.”
He suggested the maps within the bylaw are more for convenience to illustrate the central business district boundaries.
“They will need to be updated to reflect additional parts of the Landmark property are in the central business district.”
However, Salmon did not see any urgency. He added that the type of signs this bylaw is designed to regulate would not be installed until a building was constructed.
He said if the company wished to erect temporary signs until the buildings were constructed, “this bylaw already allows for that.”
Councillor Kirk McElwain was asked recently by a business person in town as to how the printing on a canopy in front of a business might potentially affect other signs for the business.
Goldie said the bylaw does speak to overall square footage for signs however, there are differences based on the types of signs used.
He also noted that one item not considered when the bylaw was being drafted is that there is now another annual festival in Elora – Riverfest.
Goldie said that typically such events are not added to the list of community events until a request is made.
To date, the municipality has yet to receive such a request.
Morris added that it was brought to his attention over the weekend that mobile signs are being mounted on the back of trucks and parked on property lines.
“Is that covered under our bylaw?”
Goldie said the bylaw does address some of the use of vehicles – where a truck is painted and placed somewhere.
“That is not allowed.”
However, he said what was being described would likely fall under the mobile sign portion of the township bylaw and as such require permits and fees.
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj said these types of questions illustrate which bylaws are reviewed.
“It’s amazing what comes out of the woodwork when it comes to creativity for signs.”
She quipped “You think you have it all covered, then find out you don’t.”
