Sign Open House a Mob Scene or an Example of Grassroots Democracy – you be the judge

Perceptions by Gerry Warner

“Beauty (and ‘clutter’) is in the eye of the beholder.” I don’t know who enunciated this truism first, probably Shakespeare or maybe the Bible. They are, after all, the two most quoted sources in the world. But I have a confession to make and I’m not ashamed to say it.

I like signs. I like neon too, but more on that later.

Now that you know where I’m coming from, I might as well jump into the latest controversy to engulf Cranbrook and Cranbrook City Hall. And that is the City’s proposed new sign bylaw, which has stirred up a hornets’ nest of angst and dissent  at a time when the City has much greater problems on its overburdened table.

Let’s deal with the beauty or aesthetic issue first. Cranbrook Street, or “The Strip” as it’s more fondly known, isn’t beautiful nor should it be because it is, after all, a “strip,” a busy business or commercial street that brings millions of dollars and thousands of visitors and tourists to the city every year.

If there’s something wrong with this, I’d like it explained to me because I think the business The Strip brings to the city benefits every local citizen to a greater or lesser degree. Beauty? Sure, some snooty travel writers have maligned our beleaguered Strip over the years but that’s mostly in the past before the lovely flower planters were placed up and down the street, before the local heroes banners were hung from the lamp standards and before the right-angled turn was converted into a flowing curve connecting The Strip and Van Horne Street. In other words, our beloved Strip has been greatly improved and is no longer ugly.

Take that you snooty travel writers!

Clutter? Take a look to the right at a picture of downtown Kathmandu. Now that’s “clutter!” When it comes to clutter we're just amateurs compared to them and I’d also point out that many tourists find the chaotic sign situation in Kathmandu exotic or a great example of local culture.

Neon? The proposed sign bylaw discourages the use of neon. Piffle! In some quarters, neon is considered “art,” not clutter, and old neon signs in many cities have even been given heritage designation . So come on Cranbrook. Get with the program.

Another unfair criticism lobbed at the signs on The Strip is that they are a distraction and a safety hazard blocking the view of the mountains. Again, I say piffle! You can still see the glorious Rockies from almost anywhere on The Strip and if you’re looking at the peaks instead of the road that’s an even greater distraction. You can’t have it both ways. And besides, I think most people driving The Strip are looking for bargains, not mountains.

Then there’s the claim that a “mob mentality” was operating at the sign open house meeting Dec. 5. This one leaves me flummoxed. I was at the meeting, and while I certainly heard some emotional speeches and comments in my wildest dreams I never felt I was at a mob scene. Nor did I feel intimidated . However, I heard from more than one person there that they did feel intimidated and were afraid to speak. That’s unfortunate because the very essence of democracy is that people must feel they have an innate right to speak and express their opinion. If we do another sign open house after the revised bylaw is drawn up – and I’m strongly encouraging the City to do just that – I’m sure every measure will be taken to encourage an open and welcoming atmosphere where no one is afraid to express their opinion.

Finally, I would like to express my own opinion that everyone is free to accept or reject. And it’s simply this. I thought the sign open house meeting was a great exercise in grass roots democracy that did our city proud. Unlike the divisive East Hill debate when the Council of the day passed a unanimous motion to make a boundary extension application to Victoria before consulting with the people, this time the horse and the wagon are being put in the right order.

In other words, consultation is happening first then a bylaw may or may not be passed, or passed with needed changes. It’s essential we do it right this time because the livelihood of every Cranbrook Street merchant will be impacted by this bylaw.

And if we do it right, there should be no need for another referendum.

Gerry Warner is a retired journalist and Cranbrook City councilor. His opinions are his own.