ABERFOYLE – Consultant Matthew Aubie has designs on Puslinch Township … in a good way.
The Aubs and Mugg Inc. consultant was at Puslinch council on June 5 with proposals to expand the township’s recent foray into its rebranding project and new township logo.
This latest step in the township’s signage master plan would expand use of the new township logo by incorporating its elements into updated municipal signage throughout the community – from community banners in Aberfoyle and Morriston, to signage showcasing local parks and the Puslinch Community Centre.
Aubie described the “experience signage” as a means of placemaking, wayfinding and community building.
The signs let people know they are in Puslinch and hopefully communicate a certain atmosphere or tone, Aubie said.
He noted, “We have this fantastic history of carpenter driven architecture we want to retain.
“We want to try to highlight points which are the most attractive and favourable.”
Locations suggested include Millennium Park in Aberfoyle and the Historic Corner Block in Morriston.
“The idea is to create a consistent style of sign for parks, not only to know a park is a park, but that it is an accessible park.”
Aubie agreed both parks have existing signs and suggested there may be ways to showcase them as well.
“Each has a story behind it and one thing we don’t like to do is replace beautiful old signs with new ones without consideration.”
He noted Queen Street in Morriston does not readily provide space for traditional gateway signs, but there is room for banners.
“The nice thing is that they can be used for placemaking most of the time, but for special events they could be replaced to promote timely summer or winter events.”
He also recommended a traditional gateway sign at the corner of Wellington Roads 34 and 46 at the north end of Aberfoyle.
It is the location where Wellington County will be constructing a roundabout.
“It would provide a traditional warm welcome to the township,” Aubie said.
In addition, he proposed specific signage for the exterior and interior of the administrative centre.
Mayor James Seeley said the options presented to council appeared “fantastic.”
“It looks amazing.”
Councillor Ken Roth said he was really impressed with the work done.
He then asked if there was any idea of the cost for the signs.
Director of finance Mary Hasan explained the project falls within the Main Street Revitalization grant funding of $44,000 which is required to be spent by March 2020.
“We are well under that,” Aubie said.
He added the project as proposed would not leave the township “oversigned.”
“Ideally, the signs can be replicated in the future as needed.”
Councillor Matthew Bulmer commented that as a member of the heritage committee and an individual who grew up in one of the historic stone houses, “I was shocked to read about this tradition of carpentry driven architecture.”
He was torn on the statement since the tradition of stone masons in the community was not referenced. Bulmer agreed “we won’t be building stone signs everywhere, though it would be nice.”
Councillor Jessica Goyda was also impressed with the proposal and its cohesiveness. “I think it will showcase really well.”
Seeley noted Wellington County has a policy that excludes additional signage within its new roundabouts.
“They don’t want the additional distraction,” he said.
While he liked the idea of the banners in Morriston, he noted the township boundary is actually a few kilometres to the south, which would be the actual entrance to the municipality.
Bulmer asked whether or not the Ministry of Transportation would allow such signage adjacent to Highway 6.
Staff agreed to look into that matter.
