Smaller banners likely to get nod

LONDON MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT: Reading the signs at city hall

By RANDY RICHMOND, The London Free Press

Last Updated: September 26, 2011 9:59am

Some of the large advertising signs draped over downtown buildings will have to be scaled back if city politicians approve a new policy this week.

After years of debate and discussion, it appears a compromise has been reached between urban design and urban marketing, says Coun. Joni Baechler.

"It won't limit them completely. I think they will get smaller," she said of the large rental signs that have sparked controversy.

Besides amendments to the city's sign and canopy bylaw, the policy also directs staff to enforce the rules.

The issue erupted in 2010 when Londoners complained about the large banners on downtown buildings, including those advertising space on buildings owned by Shmuel Farhi.

Farhi refused to take the signs down, instead complaining to city hall, city staff said at the time.

Politicians told staff to look the other way while they tried to reach a compromise with developers, realtors and other businesspersons.

"I think some people will not be completely happy, but if you get everyone a bit happy and a bit unhappy you've got a compromise," said Coun. Bud Polhill, chairperson of the built and natural heritage committee, which is taking a look at the bylaw Monday.

Full council is to vote on the bylaw Oct. 3.

"I think it is a reasonable compromise."

The city has more bylaw officers now, so enforcement shouldn't be a problem, said Baechler, a member of the committee.