M I N U T E S
SPECIAL GENERAL COMMITTEE
2006-06-06
Meeting No. 11
Community Services & Environment Issues
Chair:
Councillor A. Chiu
Vice Chair, Fire & Emergency Services: Regional Councillor J. Heath
Vice Chair, Recreation & Culture:
Councillor J. Webster
Vice Chair, Character Community:
Councillor J. Webster
Vice Chair, Environment Issues:
Councillor E. Shapero
Attendance
|
Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell Councillor S. Daurio Councillor G. McKelvey Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor K. Usman Councillor A. Chiu |
J. Livey,
Chief Administrative Officer C. Conrad,
Town Solicitor J. Sales,
Commissioner of Community & Fire Services A. Taylor,
Commissioner of Corporate Services J. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services S. Birrell,
Town Clerk B. Labelle,
Committee Clerk |
The Special General Committee meeting
convened at the hour of
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None.
1. BANNERS
ON CNR BRIDGES (3.13)
Mr. E. Longo, Canadian National Railway (CNR), advised the Committee that the Banners on CN Bridges program is an arrangement between RCC media, CNR and local municipalities. The program was created in response to residential complaints regarding the appearance of CNR bridges as well as to address the unauthorized installation of temporary banners. Mr. Longo indicated that it is currently not within the mandate or budget of the CNR to repaint the bridges. He also indicated that the structure and design of the banner was approved by CNR as it allowed for the ongoing inspection and maintenance of the bridges. Mr. Longo addressed initial concerns raised by municipalities regarding advertising content and control as well as liability issues. He indicated that the program has been well received by residents, Council and City staff in all municipalities in which it had been ultimately deployed.
Ms. D. Peron, CBS Outdoor, CNR Management
Company, advised that there were nine (9) CNR bridges in
The Committee posed questions regarding the cost for the Town to assume 100% of the banner surface and the financial implications of frequent content changes. The presenters noted that they will work with the Town to develop a feasible program. Details regarding the composition and structure of the banner were also discussed.
Committee Members raised concerns regarding the unsightly nature of lands directly adjacent to CNR bridges. Graffiti pollution, lawn and weed over growth as well as an abundance of litter were all raised as areas that need to be addressed. The Town’s control of content for third party advertising was also mentioned to be an area which may require further consideration. Some Members cautioned that endorsing the banner program may lead to further requests for signage to be permitted on other various structures throughout the Town.
Moved by Councillor K. Usman
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the presentation regarding the placement of banners on CNR bridges be received and referred to staff to bring forward a report to a forthcoming meeting of General Committee;
And that staff consider the following issues in the report:
· A cost benefit analysis including financial implications of the Town assuming 100% of the banner space;
· The type of material to be used and whether the banner content should be limited to words and logos and how much surface space should be permitted;
· How often the vendor will allow the Town to change its content free of charge;
· Whether clean up of graffiti on the inside and outside of the bridges as well as maintenance of weeds and grass adjacent to the bridge would be considered as a component of the program.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Special General Committee
meeting adjourned at the hour of