Representatives from Rocky View County council will be meeting with their Irricana counterparts in the new year to discuss signage along the west access road into town.
Irricana council requested an intermunicipal meeting after Rocky View ordered the removal of about 15 business signs, located just outside of the town’s boundaries along Range Road 264, by spring.
“Our council was hoping to meet with (Rocky View council),” said Brenda Campbell, Irricana’s economic development officer.
“We have valid arguments for why the signs are important to us. Council is showing they are fighting for the rights of our residents.”
The signs were erected about 15 years ago, but this June, Irricana Economic Development requested the County provide documentation giving the town permission to have the signs.
The County ruled the signage is in contravention of a bylaw and ordered the signs be removed.
“We don’t allow signage beside roads,” said Rocky View Councillor Greg Boehlke. “You can apply for a certain amount of signage, and these don’t comply.”
According to Boehlke, the bylaw exists to preserve safety and aesthetics along county roads.
Campbell said the Town did a survey of local businesses, which revealed that many like the signs.
Over the years, demand for the signs has exceeded supply, and there has often been a waiting list for local businesses.
“It has been a benefit to the businesses to advertise,” said Campbell.
“We had people that were asking about additional designs. We were trying to look at other options and our council was hoping to make some changes.”
Campbell said the Economic Development and Tourism committee has spent hours coming up with alternatives designs to the signs, which are scattered along the road just outside of Irricana’s boundaries.
“We have a whole list of alternatives that we can put in place, should the County stay firm with their decision,” said Campbell.
