Emily Plihal
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Northern Sunrise County council discussed at its regular meeting May 13 the best way to navigate if allowing temporary signage along Highway 2.
“Council previously reviewed this request at the regular council meeting and was brought back for further discussion and direction on how council would like to proceed with the existing temporary signs that are located in front of the Sunrise Gateway Business Park (SGBP),” says Reeve Corinna Williams.
Williams explains advertising along highways falls under the jurisdiction of Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC), but the placement of signs that are currently along the roadway are not sanctioned by them because they are on private property.
“There is an informal standard or guideline in place, with limited provincial interest or legislative support to ensure formal enforcement,” Williams explains.
“As such, unless the signage is permanent or poses a risk of distracting drivers, there is little desire by TEC to enforce the removal of signage.”
Council was initially looking at adding a second digital sign, but their application was denied by TEC.
“The intent is to advertise businesses along SGBP and businesses with PR Chamber of Commerce if room allows,” says Williams.
“Council referred this back to administration to identify what types of signage could be used, there are many examples such as driving into Fox Creek where all the signs are the same size, design to improve the appearance and ease for businesses to advertise and maintains a clean, easy-to-maintain berm.”
Williams notes that administration has received complaints from businesses within SGBP about Municipal Reserve Land being used for advertising by non-county or SGBP businesses.
“The concerns stem from the fact that county businesses could utilize this space, and the County could potentially generate revenue by leasing the MR to businesses for signage placement to place temporary signage for their member businesses along the MR,” she explains.
Council decided SGBP businesses would have the first opportunity to advertise and others would be considered if space allows.
A final decision will be made about temporary signage once more information is collected by administration.