A new fee structure for signage applications to the Town of Canmore was passed last week with the hope that reducing the number of categories from 17 to three will make the process easier.
Development planner Kate van Fraassen said the change simplifies the process and provides greater clarity for those looking to get a sign permit.
“Under the proposed fees, the rationale is to be reasonable, but to also provide clarity up front. So instead of having a fee for each specific sign type – more sign types than I ever knew before I started – the rationale of the recommendation is that the fee is based per application rather than on a sign type,” van Fraassen said.
The confusing permitting process was an issue brought up by the business community during recent consultation on signage undertaken by the municipality. But the business community also wanted signage rules and standards and enforcement addressed.
Van Fraassen said changing permitting fees is one step toward addressing what was heard from the community and conversations on rules and standards are broader in nature.
“Signs are a salient point for business owners, but they also shape the visual look and feel of our community as well,” she said. “While there may not be huge numbers of people coming through the doors to talk to us about signs every day, we all see signs every day.”
The new fee structure charges applicants $100 for an application that conforms to the signage bylaw, $200 for a non-conforming application and $250 for a comprehensive sign package.
Van Fraassen said revenues lost would be minimal compared to what would be gained in terms of the municipality’s relationship with the business community.
“I’m always happy when process becomes smaller and more efficient,” said Councillor Gordie Miskow.
Mayor John Borrowman said as a business owner he has made applications for signs before and is happy to see the process streamlined.
“I’m looking forward to the discussion around signage rules themselves, certainly it’s going to have more meat on it than just the fees,” he added.
