Apparently size does matter … as does location.
Puslinch council recently debated the merits of an application for a large sign facing the 401 from local company Collaborative Structures Limited (CSL). The sign has approval from the Ministry of Transportation, but was still subject to municipal regulations.
The variable content of the sign is limited to time and temperature displays.
CSL officials Garth Cressman and Dave Timlock, asked council for approval of the sign through a sign bylaw exemption request.
The pair had worked with chief building official Robert Kelly in relation to the township sign bylaw.
Cressman said the company, which moved into Puslinch two years ago to a property on Ellis Road, is growing and “we’re looking to make a major investment in a sign on our property facing Highway 401.” He said both the local and MTO regulations were investigated “because they both cover what we are trying to do.”
However, he added, there is a big difference as to what can be done through the MTO as compared to the township.
He said the MTO regulations allow up to 54 sq. metres, while the township bylaw is limited to 9 sq. metres.
Cressman stressed the company property backs onto the 401 close to the MTO service centres. The sign itself lays roughly 200 metres back from the 401, “so building a sign that is only 9 sq. metres, wouldn’t really cut it in this application.”
He stated Kelly recommended going through the MTO permit process then approaching council to ask for a variance to allow the sign.
Cressman added while the overall structure is roughly 9 metres by 9 metres while the sign itself is just over 8 metres wide and 3.6 metres high.
The sign itself would face the highway, not Ellis Road or adjacent properties.
Councillor Ken Roth clarified the sign would be backlit.
Because of the sign location, Cressman said adjacent property owners are unlike to see any light from the sign.
Cressman contended he anticipated more light will be emanated from the new service centres along the 401 as opposed to the proposed sign.
Councillor Wayne Stokley sought assurance that the neighbours were notified, contacted and had no issue.
Councillor Susan Fielding agreed. “Our sign bylaw doesn’t really address signs facing the 401, it is more for those facing residential roads.”
Mayor Dennis Lever noted the property is commercially zoned in an otherwise residential area, “therefore it is very important that you talk to the neighbours.”
Lever said his other comment was that the documentation refers to the company as being in Cambridge – because of the postal address.
He added that when Collaborative Structures Limited was chosen to build the new Teviotdale police station, “I asked them to refer to the company as being in Puslinch.”
“… as long as we collect the taxes,” quipped Stokley.
