Sign of the times or badly worded bylaw?

An ambiguous bylaw has some local business owners in the dark about how they can legally advertise their business.

At a recent Stratford District Council meeting, Cr John Sandford asked that the bylaw about business signs be reviewed, something many business owners believe should have happened sooner.

Cr Sandford says the goal for all business in the district is to grow, "which can't happen with the current bylaws".

As the bylaw stands, a business owner cannot place a sign for their business on any property that is not owned or leased by the business even if they have permission from the landowner.

Midhirst Dairy owner Michelle McCormack-Langley says she is "fed up" with the current situation.

I spent a lot of money getting professional signs made up that were secured safely to their stands, only to be told I had to have them taken down.

Michelle McCormack-Langley

Liam Dagg, the council's environmental director, says the council will be reviewing the sign bylaw, as well as regulations in the District Plan.

"The bylaw is worded in a way that is difficult to understand and therefore business owners are being penalised without really understanding why.

"We need to get public feedback about what people want the district to look like in regards to signs in town," Mr Dagg said.

Cr Sandford is pleased the council is putting the issue high on the agenda as "business owners are losing money over a bylaw that is draconian".

Matthew McDonald from Matthew & Co Real Estate feels the bylaw is "a bit rough" on new businesses coming into town. He adds that new businesses starting up need the visibility that signs can give.

Mr Dagg says that all aspects of the bylaw surrounding signs will be reviewed, including permanent signs, temporary signs, illuminated signs and signs on verandas along Broadway.

A draft for the bylaw will be out for public consultation early next year with the Long Term Plan.