Report to: Development Services Committee                                  Report Date: May 15, 2007

 

 

SUBJECT:                          Special Event Notification Signage

                                            Heritage Conservation Districts

PREPARED BY:               Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning, ext 2080

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That Council endorse the proposal to create and install special event notification signage for the Markham Village, Unionville and Thornhill heritage conservation districts and endorse the guidelines for special event signage, as outlined in the staff report dated May 15, 2007;

 

That the design of the signage and signage locations be approved in principle and that final approval authority be granted to the Manager, Heritage Planning;

 

That the design of the Unionville Main Street gateway signage as proposed by the Unionville BIA (Appendix B) be approved, the signage locations be approved in principle and maintenance costs be borne by Unionville BIA;

 

That the Manager of Street Operations and the Manager, Heritage Planning be directed to negotiate with other governmental organizations the final location of those signs which are proposed to be located within rights of way outside of the jurisdiction of the Town;

 

That the Manager of Street Operations be directed to proceed with the manufacture and installation of the Markham Village Special Event Signage infrastructure and the manufacture of any necessary info tabs for the remainder of the calendar year;

 

That the Manager of Street Operations be directed to manufacture and install any necessary special event info tabs for use on the existing heritage conservation district entry signage in Thornhill and Unionville;

 

That the Manager of Street Operations be directed to install the two Unionville BIA gateway signs;

 

That the cost of the supplies required for manufacture and installation of the Markham Village Special Event Signage infrastructure, and the cost of the manufacture of the special event info tabs for all three districts for 2007, and the installation of the Unionville BIA gateway sign, at an upset cost of $11,900 to be paid for from account 052-6150-4785-005 (Special Event Signage);

 

That the cost of the manufacture of the special event info tabs for future years be paid by the organization or group sponsoring the special event;

 

THAT the Manager of Heritage Planning work with the Coordinator of Special Events to develop an appropriate criteria for determining which events or types of events will be eligible to be promoted on the special events signage and to devise a practical system of management for the coordination of event signage;

 

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

As part of the introduction of the Heritage District Entry Signage program, Council identified the need for special event notification signage in heritage conservation districts.   Additional consultation was undertaken by staff with organizations and groups which sponsor festival and community events held within the districts to determine the needs and most appropriate approach to address this objective.  Based on the consultation process, it was concluded that there were two options worth pursuing:

-         adding a temporary Special Event information tab underneath the existing entry signage infrastructure (Option 1); or

-         introducing a new stand alone Special Event sign with the ability to carry two information tabs (Option 2)

 

It is recommended that Option 1 be approved for the Thornhill Village Heritage Conservation District given the minimal number of annual festivals/events.  Option 2 is recommended for the Markham Village Heritage Conservation District utilizing two locations on Main Street Markham.  Rather then either of the above options, Unionville BIA indicated that it did not need special event signage, but instead required two permanent gateway signs directing people to the historic commercial area.  The BIA has agreed to pay for the two signs if the Town will install them. 

 

Heritage Markham is supportive of the recommended approach.  The Town Sign Shop will produce the signage infrastructure and the special event information tabs.  The total cost for the project, including installing the Unionville BIA signage, is $11,900.00 and can be funded through an account established by Council for event signage in Markham Village.  The cost of information tabs for future years will be borne by the event or festival organizer.  Special Event Signage Guidelines have been prepared to assist in the management of this program (Appendix E).   

 

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The cost of the supplies required for manufacture and installation of the Markham Village Special Event Signage infrastructure, and the cost of the manufacture of the special event info tabs for all three districts for 2007, at an upset cost of $11,900 would be paid for from account 052-6150-4785-005.  There is currently $34,800 in this account. This money was allocated in 2002 at the request of the Main Street Markham Committee for the purpose of special event signage.  The remaining in the account after this project is funded would be used if it is determined that additional special event signage is required for the districts.  The labour for manufacture of the signage will be undertaken by the Town (Sign Shop) as part of their ongoing work program.  The sponsor of the event will be responsible for installation of the signage

 

1. Purpose                     2. Background                      3. Discussion                        4. Financial        

 

5. Others (Environmental, Accessibility, Engage 21st, Affected Units)             6. Attachment(s)

 

PURPOSE:

1) To secure approval to manufacture and install special event signage in heritage conservation districts, appropriate to the needs of each district. 

2) To secure approval for the Unionville Main Street gateway signage, as proposed by the Unionville Business Improvement Association.

 

 

 

BACKGROUND:

Heritage conservation districts have a “family” of complementary signs

Each of Town’s three heritage conservation districts has a unique series of complementary public information signs.  Each district has heritage conservation district entry signage at key entrances to the district and street name signage that possess the same sign shape, but different colours and logo unique to that district.  In addition, in Markham Village, some of the other public information signage (parking lot identification) has also adopted the same colours and design elements. 

 

Council has identified the need for special event signage in heritage conservation districts

In 2003, as part of the review and approval of heritage conservation district identification signage, Council endorsed a proposal to create and install special event notification signage for the Markham Village, Unionville and Thornhill Heritage Conservation Districts.  It was suggested that these signs be within the same design family as the District Entry Signs and should provide space for notice of upcoming special or community events (not commercial advertisements).

 

Council resolved that a report be brought forward on final design and location details with respect to special event signage for the three heritage districts, and that the design of the event signage as proposed at that time, be reconsidered with respect to listing only current upcoming events in order to retain impact.  Staff indicated that further consultation would be undertaken with the local community for each district prior to the final design and installation of special event notice signage.

 

 

Staff has undertaken further consultation on the special event signage issue

Heritage Section staff sent a survey to various Town groups and bodies associated with festivals and special community events held within the boundaries of the three heritage conservation districts.  The objective of the survey was to ascertain the following:

·        the desirability of special event signage

·        the type of information required on the signage

·        the format of the signage (new stand alone sign or additional tab on existing signage infrastructure)

·        location/number of signs

·        role/responsibility of the event/festival organizer

 

All respondents indicated a need for event signage.  Typical information that was desired for each event included the name of the event, date, message area and website.  Initially, most respondents preferred to use the existing district entry signage.  Unionville BIA and the Unionville Villagers Association indicated that they preferred stand alone gateway or directional signage.  Most community organizations identified their preferred role as providing a list of event information and having the Town produce and install the signage.

 

Key objective was to replace the need for mobile signs

One of the key objectives of pursuing the special event signage project was to eliminate the need for temporary mobile signs advertising upcoming festivals and events.  The Town of Markham Sign By-law prohibits mobile signs in heritage conservation districts (“special sign districts”); however, they continue to appear.

 

Additional consultation undertaken with Markham Village groups

Further discussion was undertaken with representatives of the Markham Village BIA and Main Street Markham Committee and the consensus was that two stand alone signs were preferred with a maximum of two interchangeable special event info tabs per sign.  The preferred location of this signage is at Main Street and Highway 7 (SE corner) and Main Street and Bullock Drive (SW corner).  The Directors of the BIA also indicated a willingness to pay for the info tabs on an annual basis.

 

Additional consultation undertaken with Unionville Groups

Further consultation was undertaken with representatives of the Unionville BIA and the Unionville Villagers Association regarding the gateway sign proposal.  The initial proposal submitted by UBIA had a very small interchangeable event area that staff felt would not be readily visible and was more of a directional sign to the commercial area, and not the type of upcoming event signage originally envisioned by the Town (see Appendix A).

 

UBIA revised their gateway sign concept in 2007 (see Appendix B).  UBIA indicated a desire for this form of directional signage as they believe that those attending the events and festivals often have difficulty locating the historic commercial area.  UBIA indicated that advertising or notification of upcoming events was not needed as these events were already extremely popular.  The cost of the proposed two gateway signs would be borne by the UBIA.  They have asked if the Town can cover the costs of installation.

 

UBIA also noted that they advertise all events held within the heritage conservation district on their website.  As to the needs of other events that are held within the District but not sponsored by UBIA, it was suggested that these groups could purchase a special event info tab from the Town for installation on the existing district entry signage.

 

 

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

A number of options were under consideration

Staff has been consulting with a number of organizations and groups to determine the most appropriate special event signage for these areas and to determine if a common approach was feasible for all three heritage conservation districts.  Based on the consultation process, it was concluded that there were two options worth considering for special event signage:

 

1. Adding a temporary Special Event information tab underneath the existing entry signage infrastructure; or

 

2. Introducing a new stand alone Special Event sign with the ability to carry two information tabs.

 

Rather than either of the above options, Unionville indicated that it did not need special event signage, but instead required gateway/ directional signage.

 

Recommended Approach for Each District

The following is the recommended strategy to address the notification of upcoming events:

Thornhill (Option 1)

-         there is only one main special event each year (Thornhill Village Festival);

-         there may be a desire to advertise the Terry Fox Run

-         recommend that a special event information tab be introduced using the existing entry sign infrastructure [1) John Street and 2) Yonge Street].  See Appendix C for illustration of info tab concept.

-         recommend that the Town assume the costs for info tabs in 2007 with community groups paying for tabs from January 2008 onwards

 

Markham Village (Option 2)

-         special events are primarily sponsored by Markham BIA

-         preference is for a stand alone notice sign  with 2 info tabs (design to be from the same family of signs as entry signs).  Date component of tab to be separate to allow reuse of main event info tab.  Design concept attached (See Appendix D)

-         BIA willing to purchase info tabs for events and install.

-         Recommend that the Town assume the costs for manufacture and installation of the two  Special Event Signs and  assume the costs for information tabs in 2007 with BIA and other community groups paying for any tabs from January 2008 onwards

-         location- Main Street at Hwy 7 (SE corner boulevard area) and Main Street at Bullock Drive (SW corner)

 

Unionville (A Unique Option)

-         Unionville BIA indicated that special event signage is not needed and that preference is for a gateway sign at Hwy 7 and Main Street (NE corner) and Carlton and Kennedy Roads (NW corner)

-         Design concept attached (See Appendix B)

-         Illumination proposed using solar powered spot lights

-         UBIA willing to pay for design and construction, request that the Town install the signage

-         recommend that Town install UBIA signage

-         other community events (not affiliated with BIA community events) could purchase a special event info tab from the Town for installation on the existing district entry signage. (See Appendix C)

-         recommend that the Town assume the costs for info tabs in 2007 for community events not associated with the UBIA with these community groups paying for future info tabs from January 2008 onwards

 

Heritage Markham is supportive of the recommended approach

Heritage Markham reviewed this issue on April 11, 2007.  The Committee has no objection to the proposed approach for special event signage in Thornhill Heritage Conservation District (Info Tab below existing entry sign infrastructure) and Markham Village Heritage Conservation District (stand alone special event notice sign with 2 interchangeable Info Tabs).

 

Heritage Markham has no objection to the proposed design concept for the Unionville gateway directional signage subject to the sign complementing the existing district entry and street name signage in the district.  The Committee did ask staff to take into account the issue of light pollution if the Unionville sign is illuminated.

 

Heritage Markham recommended that any further review of design details associated with the special event signage and gateway signage be delegated to Heritage Section staff.

 

Sign Shop to produce signage infrastructure and special event info tabs

Should Council adopt the staff recommendations, the Town (Sign Shop) would undertake the manufacture and installation of the Markham Village signage, and any necessary special event information tabs for all three districts.

 

The cost for manufacture/installation of the stand alone Special Event Sign is approximately $1200.00.  The cost of each information tab is approximately $210.00.  Installation of an info tab by the Sign Shop would be approximately an additional $120.00.  The total costs will be as follows:

 

Markham Village Special event sign                                           $2,400.00

($1200 x 2 signs)(includes installation)

Markham Village Info Tabs                                                        $3,780.00

(9 events x 2 signs x $210/tab)

 

Thornhill Info Tabs                                                                        $840.00

(2 events x 2 signs x $210/tab)

 

Unionville Info Tabs (if required by non BIA event)                              

(2 events x 3 signs x $210/tab)                                                   $1,260.00

 

Installation of Info Tabs (if required for

Thornhill/Unionville)

(4 + 6 = 10 tabs x $120/tab)                                                      $1200.00

 

Unionville BIA Gateway Sign Installation Costs

(2 signs x $420 installation)                                                           $840.00

 

                                  Sub-total                                                                       $10,320.00

 

15% contingency                                                                        $1548.00

                                                                                                           

                                  Total                                                                             $11,868.00

 

The requested amount for this project would be $11,900 to be paid from account 052-6150-4785-005. 

 

Special Event Signage Guidelines have been prepared

General guidelines have been developed for the Special Event signage program which addresses: eligible events, types of notification signage, content, design features, ordering procedures, costs and installation/removal of information tabs. (see Appendix E).   It is recommended that the guidelines be endorsed.  Community Services staff have expressed some concerns about the process of administration of the special event signage and recommend that further discussion take place among Town staff to determine appropriate criteria for determining which events or types of events will be eligible for promotion on the signs, and to devise a practical system of management for the coordination of event signage.

 

A listing of typical special events and festivals held within the boundaries of the heritage conservation districts is attached as Appendix F.

 

FINANCIAL TEMPLATE: (external link)

 

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Not Applicable

 

 

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

Not Applicable

 

 

 

ENGAGE 21ST CONSIDERATIONS:

“Quality Community” - The introduction of special event notification signage will help recognize, promote and strengthen a sense of community.

 

 

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

  • Town (Street Operations Department) staff have been consulted with respect to design, production and location of signs
  • Heritage Markham has been consulted with respect to design elements and permit requirements for the installation of signs in heritage districts
  • Region of York (Roads) was consulted during our initial phase concerning locations on regional rights-of-way and will continue to be consulted regarding specific sites.

 

 

RECOMMENDED BY:  

 

 

_ _____________________________           _____________________________

Valerie Shuttleworth, MCIP, RPP                     Jim Baird, MCIP, RPP

Director of Planning and Urban Design  Commissioner of Development Services

 

 

 

                                     

 

 

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix A – Unionville BIA Signage Proposal (Initial)

Appendix B – Unionville BIA Signage Proposal (Revised 2007)

Appendix C – Town of Markham Info Tab Proposal

Appendix D – Town of Markham Stand Alone Special Event Signage

Appendix E – Special Event Signage Guidelines

Appendix F – Typical Annual Special Events for each District

 

 

 

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