Attachment 1: ArcGIS Web Map (10 Erskine Lane)

TIME CRITICAL:

Based on the Local Government Act (section 56), any election sign-related bylaw must be adopted by July 4, 2022 in order to apply to the October 2022 general local election.

BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:

At its April 12, 2022 meeting, the Committee of the Whole considered a report and accompanying bylaw that proposed amendments to the Election Procedures Bylaw No. 989, 2018 to address election signs and limitations on the use of the Town’s logo. The report and bylaw were based on both a February 2021 discussion of options and a 2019 post-election report.

At the April Committee of the Whole meeting, clarification was requested regarding the number of signs permitted within each zone, given that some zones have multiple areas within them, and for additional sign zones to be identified, if possible. With respect to additional sign zones, three streets were noted at the Committee of the Whole meeting as potential locations for consideration: Burnside Road West (east of Helmcken Road), Admirals Road near Aldersmith Place, and Island Highway outside of BC Transit’s RapidBus anticipated construction zone.

The attached draft bylaw (see Attachment “A”) seeks to provide clarification on the number of signs permitted in the Town and includes two additional sign zones. With respect to the number of signs, the draft bylaw clearly describes a maximum of twenty-seven small signs (up to three per zone) and a maximum of five large signs (one per large sign area up to five in the municipality). The size and height of these two types of signs are described unambiguously in the definitions section. As to additional sign zones, it should be noted that Burnside Road West, east of Helmcken Road, was reviewed with the Engineering Department and was determined unsuitable for election signs due to sightline and safety issues attributed to its width, high traffic volumes, substandard pedestrian and cycling facilities, and hidden driveways. Instead, a zone has been identified on Helmcken Road southbound where the conditions are more optimal. Admirals Road is within the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s jurisdiction and was therefore not identified for any sign zones. As well, it should be noted that even without this limitation, the configuration of Admirals Road – with high traffic volumes, substandard cycling facilities, and narrow boulevards – would make election sign placement on the boulevard challenging for all road users.

As noted in the April 2022 report, Attachment “B” is an amendment to the Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 643, 2007. While it is anticipated that the on-going provision of information about the Town’s practices, though potentially changing somewhat with the introduction of sign zones, will continue to be met with the graciousness and respect for the community from candidates generally experienced to date, it is useful to have the provisions in place should they be required in the future.