Councillors here have decided to fix entrance signs to the municipality rather than take them down.
Councillor Jim Curry had stated he wanted them all removed because they are in such poor condition they reflect badly on the township.
Mayor Bruce Whale said the one on County Road 8 is still in good condition and Curry agreed, but said the others need to come down.
Councillor Mike Downey said, “We’ve spent good money on these signs. Why don’t we spend a little to touch them up?”
Curry said he would, but only one is good enough for that. “The rest, I’d be hard pressed to accept.” Whale asked how many signs there are, and Curry said eight.
Councillor Andy Knetsch said the signs are in poor condition, and he has issues with signs at the entrance to Drayton. He said the backs should be replaced, and there should be signs at the exits urging people to return.
Whale recommended a staff review rather than pulling all the signs down.
Public works director Larry Lynch said it is the superstructure and not the signs that is the costly part.
Downey favoured a “touch up” but Curry said many need “a complete overhaul.”
Lynch noted there are different prices for signs that are painted as opposed to those with letters coated with plastic and stuck on.
Curry said the lettering on the signs was once reflective, but that wore off.
Whale said something must be done, but noted the county is considering standard signs, and “I don’t want to spend a lot of money if we are going to be a part of that.”
Council then voted, with Curry and Knetsch in favour of taking down the signs, and Downey and councillor Neil Driscoll opposed.
Whale broke the tie by voting against the motion. He asked that staff bring back a report on the issue.
