M I N U T E S

SPECIAL GENERAL COMMITTEE

2006-06-06

Community Services & Environment Issues

Chair:  Councillor A. Chiu

Vice Chair, Fire & Emergency Services:  Regional Councillor J. Heath

Vice Chair, Recreation & Culture:  Councillor J. Webster

Vice Chair, Character Community:  Councillor J. Webster

Vice Chair, Environment Issues:  Councillor E. Shapero

Attendance

The Special General Committee meeting convened at the hour of 10:12 a.m. with Councillor A. Chiu in the Chair. 

            DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

            None.

1.         BANNERS ON CNR BRIDGES (3.13)

Mr. E. Longo, Canadian National Railway (CNR), advised the Committee that the Banners on CN Bridges program is an arrangement between RCC media, CNR and local municipalities. The program was created in response to residential complaints regarding the appearance of CNR bridges as well as to address the unauthorized installation of temporary banners. Mr. Longo indicated that it is currently not within the mandate or budget of the CNR to repaint the bridges. He also indicated that the structure and design of the banner was approved by CNR as it allowed for the ongoing inspection and maintenance of the bridges. Mr. Longo addressed initial concerns raised by municipalities regarding advertising content and control as well as liability issues. He indicated that the program has been well received by residents, Council and City staff in all municipalities in which it had been ultimately deployed.

Ms. D. Peron, CBS Outdoor, CNR Management Company, advised that there were nine (9) CNR bridges in Markham that were available for the installation of permanent banners. She noted that 50% of the advertising surface would be provided to the Town free of charge for any content they wanted to display. Mr. T. Rominelli, RCC Media also indicated that changes to the Town’s content could occur at any time, but a small production fee would be charged. The presenters provided illustrations of a permanent banner in Vaughan as well as conceptual drawings for Markham.

The Committee posed questions regarding the cost for the Town to assume 100% of the banner surface and the financial implications of frequent content changes. The presenters noted that they will work with the Town to develop a feasible program. Details regarding the composition and structure of the banner were also discussed.

Committee Members raised concerns regarding the unsightly nature of lands directly adjacent to CNR bridges. Graffiti pollution, lawn and weed over growth as well as an abundance of litter were all raised as areas that need to be addressed. The Town’s control of content for third party advertising was also mentioned to be an area which may require further consideration. Some Members cautioned that endorsing the banner program may lead to further requests for signage to be permitted on other various structures throughout the Town.

Moved by Councillor K. Usman

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

That the presentation regarding the placement of banners on CNR bridges be received and referred to staff to bring forward a report to a forthcoming meeting of General Committee;

And that staff consider the following issues in the report:

·      A cost benefit analysis including financial implications of the Town assuming 100% of the banner space;

·      The type of material to be used and whether the banner content should be limited to words and logos and how much surface space should be permitted;

·      How often the vendor will allow the Town to change its content free of charge;

·      Whether clean up of graffiti on the inside and outside of the bridges as well as maintenance of weeds and grass adjacent to the bridge would be considered as a component of the program.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

The Special General Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 10:45 a.m.