Community organizations that want to hang banners on one or more of the municipality’s 72 designated streetlight standards to promote festivals or other events will now have to follow specific guidelines.
City council unanimously approved a new streetlight banner policy during its most recent executive committee meeting. The recommendation must be approved during the May 13 regular council meeting to become official.
“We didn’t reinvent the wheel on this one. We gathered data from other municipalities,” Derek Blais, director of parks and recreation, explained during the meeting.
The City of Moose Jaw supports the use of banners on streetlights to promote festivals; cultural, historical, arts or sporting events; fundraising efforts; or other educational or celebratory events, he said. This program would enhance community aesthetics and promote partnerships that support the activities and events held within the city.
However, Blais pointed out it is important to have guidelines in place to protect the municipality from possible damage; ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors; ensure that the visual appearance and environment within the municipality is considered; and that the municipality overall brand and message are supported.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet at least one of three criteria:
• Be affiliated with a non-profit organization
• Represent a “special event” wherein the intention is to attract visitors to the city
• Represent an event that is considered to be sponsored by the municipality
The use of banners is prohibited when the promotional campaign refers to:
• The promotion of commercial, religious, or political organizations and related products and services
• The promotion of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, products or gambling
• The promotion of views or ideas that are likely to promote hatred or support violence or discrimination against anyone
City hall later clarified that if a religious organization was promoting a public festival or major public gathering, those events would fit within the policy. However, a non-profit group such as Girl Guides would not be able to use banners to sell its cookies.
The municipality has the right to remove the streetlight banners at any time and for any reason, Blais told council. There will be 72 available streetlight locations and one cross-street banner location available with the program. Most of the designated streetlight standards are on Main Street, with some near High Street, Manitoba Street West and Langdon Crescent near Crescent Park.
A fee for installation and removal of the banners would recover all costs associated with using city manpower and equipment.
“I love this, the thought of this,” said Coun. Chris Warren. “This is another example of where we’re trying to promote partnerships and collaborations with the community. As report says, we’re beautifying the aesthetics of the downtown.”
The next executive committee meeting is May 13.
