A large digital sign is being proposed to draw customers into The Plaza at New Westminster Station retail development in downtown New Westminster.
The Pattison Sign Group is applying to city hall for a variance to the sign bylaw on behalf of Plaza 88 Retail Developments Ltd. The variance would allow two full-motion digital signs to be erected on The Plaza at 811 Columbia St. and 802 Carnarvon St.
A staff report states that the proposed signage would contravene six sections of the sign bylaw, which bans flashing signs and signs with moving lights. The bylaw also prohibits signage on Columbia Street that is more than 20 square metres or 215.3 square feet - the sign would be 68 square metres or 731.87 square feet.
"The 216,500 square foot retail development on five levels, includes Canada Safeway, Shoppers' Drug Mart and Landmark Cinemas as major tenants," stated a report to council. "The majority of retail tenants will have minimal street presence, resulting in the need for additional exterior signage. With the addition of two digital signs, there is an ability for further tenant exposure."
Bev Grieve, the city's manager of planning, said the applicant requested that the city set Oct. 22 as the date that council would consider input about the proposal.
While presenting council with a report about the request at its Oct. 1 meeting, staff expressed concerns that the applicant hadn't yet met with the Quayside Community Board, as requested by the city as part of the consultation process.
At its Oct. 1 committee of the whole meting, council viewed a brief video that showed what the proposed signage would look like on Columbia Street. In addition to logos for major retail tenants like Safeway, the sign would also display trailers for movies appearing at Landmark Cinemas.
Council has referred the issue back to staff.
