Hundreds weigh in on new Rockwood gateway signs

BRUCEDALE – The results are in on the new Rockwood gateway signs and Guelph/Eramosa residents have a clear favourite.

More than 660 residents filled out a survey between April 7 and 30, choosing their favourite from among three options and providing written feedback as well.

“Option number one emerged as the clear preference with around 70 per cent of respondents choosing this as their preferred sign,” said clerk Amanda Knight during a May 11 council meeting.

The signs will be on:

• Highway 7, Alma entrance;
• Highway 7 Dunbar entrance;
• Wellington Road 27; and
• Harris Street.

Of the 664 total responses, 464 chose option one, 106 chose option two, 54 chose option three and 34 people chose “none of the above”.

Respondents who selected option one as their favourite were asked to explain why.

This feedback  included:

• a strong connection to Rockwood’s natural setting, including the conservation area, river, trees and rock features;
• a rustic, welcoming and “village scale” aesthetic that reflects Rockwood’s identity;
• clear legibility and contrast for drivers and visitors; and
• a design distinct from larger neighbouring municipalities.

“A smaller subset of respondents raised concerns regarding municipal spending priorities or questioned the need for new signage altogether,” states a staff report to council. 

“While these views were noted by staff, they represent a clear minority when considered alongside the overall response volume and voting results.”

The approved budget for the project is $80,000, however the project is expected to cost less than that. 

According to the report, the signs will cost $6,980, posts and installation $27,000, landscaping $5,000 and drawings and permits $3,500, for a total of $42,480. 

Staff also suggested adding lighting to the highway signs via solar panels, at an additional cost of $15,000.

“Now I will mention the signs themselves are reflective,” Knight told council. 

Councillor Mark Bouwmeester said he was “very pleased with the response rate,” and voiced his support for the additional lighting, granted it did not prove to be “overkill” with the reflective signs. 

“In general it’s a great upgrade to the entrance of Rockwood and our endeavour to bring more business and people to the downtown,” said councillor Steven Liebig. “It’s something that’s really needed and it’s really going to help with development.”

All councilors agreed to the additional lighting, unless it reacted poorly with the reflective coating of the signs.

Council voted unanimously to go ahead with the installation of option one. The work will be done by Scutt Signs of Guelph.