Penetanguishene greenlights new sign for busy intersection
By: Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: MidlandToday.ca
Jul 15, 2024 Whether it opens people’s eyes, asks them to apply or advertises a band, Penetanguishene’s newly-approved digital sign will soon be placed where the most traffic can see it.
At the recent committee of the whole meeting, council members approved a digital sign project worth $61,500 plus HST and hydro (estimated $6,500), inclusive of the foundation and stonework for its first location at Robert Street West and Champlain Road.
According to the accompanying staff report, the design of the look and feel would aim to directly mimic the sign at the entrance of town on CR-93, acting as a secondary ‘welcome to town’ sign in the new location.
The conceptual engineering design for the double-sided sign, which would also host LED screens, impressed members of council during its discussion.
Coun. Suzanne Marchand was encouraging for its appearance, but questioned the initial location recommended by the finance and corporate services section.
“I love the look and the design, and I think it’s fantastic and I’m glad to have it for our town,” said Marchand. “I just wondered if maybe there was any consideration that, in terms of placement, is there an opportunity at our town hall?”
In response, Coun. George Vadeboncoeur shared his thought that sign installations could be a multi-year program with the Robert and Champlain intersection appearing first on the list of potential locations.
“I think tongue-in-cheek, the arena was last on the list and that’s what I was hoping – that it would be number one or two. I’m hoping this is multi-year,” said Vadeboncoeur.
“We made that decision that it was going to be there (Robert & Champlain). Year two, I’m happy to consider a sign at or close to town hall.”
A map with several locations was included in a December signage report which informed the decision.
“The sign is absolutely well done; beautiful,” said Coun. Doug Leroux, who added the reason why Robert and Champlain was the first choice. “I know the amount and volume of traffic that comes by there.”
Vadeboncoeur also agreed that the sign was “fantastic”; he added that heading into the upcoming budget cycle, knowing the cost of the build would be beneficial compared to the other options presented by staff.
However, his concern rested with the software support for the sign’s operation; the question was alleviated by communications and technology coordinator Sarah Dusome who replied with confidence that the annual fee paid would keep the support updated.
The cost of the sign was offset by $20,000 within the recreation reserve, previously set aside for another project which did not proceed. Lifespan for the outdoor LED portion of the sign was anticipated to last an average of 100,000 hours, or 10 years of operation.
The LED digital signage options report, and conceptual engineering designs, can be located on the agenda page of the Town of Penetanguishene website.
Meetings of Penetanguishene council are held on the second Wednesday of each month, and can be watched live on Rogers TV cable 53 when available, or on the Rogers TV website.
Archives of council meetings are located on the Town of Penetanguishene YouTube channel.