Sarnia is replacing some of its municipal entrance signs, and adding others at entry points where they’ve historically been absent.
The $130,000 Spectra Advertising contract to do the work was recently awarded by city council.
Determining sign locations is pending a public input process at speakupsarnia.ca, economic development director Kelly Provost said in an email.
That’s expected to start later in May or early June, a report to council from economic development officer Monica Shepley says.
Council is expected to consider that input and final designs July 27, and installation is targeted by Oct. 31, the report says.
“Signage helps convey the city’s character and can boost civic pride,” Provost emailed. “It also can increase the city’s attractiveness to new residents and businesses.”
Among Sarnia’s entry roads without signs, seven were identified in a June 2021 report as options for the new signs, Provost wrote
Those include Michigan Avenue, Michigan Line, London Line, Waterworks Road, Telfer Road, Blackwell Sideroad and Kimball Road.
Others like Lite Street and Indian Road South that don’t have signs, according to the staff report, aren’t included in the recommendations.
Spectra’s contract includes replacing 10 existing signs and adding another seven.
Two would be higher-profile signs, potentially on Front Street near the boundary with Point Edward, and on Highway 40 in the city’s south, Shepley’s report says
Six would be “enhanced” with population numbers along main routes, and nine would be standard signs on rural roads with mid-level traffic volume, it says.
Council still needs to decide whether to keep community sign boards, with names and logos of service clubs and community organizations, at the Front Street and River Road entrances, Provost wrote.
“Staff will be advancing a report to council at a future meeting to seek their direction on the preferred approach.”
There was talk a year ago of potential city rebranding, to go along with the new signs.
That’s not happening, Provost wrote.
“We’ll be advancing with design concepts that reflect the city’s existing branding.”
Sarnia’s banner welcome sign along Highway 402 will not be affected by the work, city staff said.