Electronic messaging is a sign of the times so City of Powell River is looking at installing digital signage in the vicinity of Powell River Recreation Complex.
Ray Boogaards, director of parks, recreation and culture, said digital signage is a very important tool that could be used to help his department generate needed revenue for the recreation complex. He provided a report to councillors at their January 15 committee of the whole meeting.
“Included in the city’s capital development plan was a digital sign for the amount of $124,000,” Boogaards said. The price quote was from 2011. In the city’s recreation review conducted last year, it was suggested that improving marketing for the complex was required. Boogaards, in a written report to the committee, stated a digital sign would assist the recreation complex in marketing its many services and programs.
“Staff reviewed this capital budget amount as requested to purchase a double-sided digital sign.” The revised cost of the signage is $96,000, plus GST.
Boogaards said because the location of the sign installation is unknown, it would be difficult to say how much it would cost to run the electrical supply and everything else required to make it operate.
“At this point staff is saying that the $124,000 is a reasonable cost for a sign of that size and quality,” Boogaards said. “We want to make sure the sign is easy to read, is big enough and will help us to promote not only the parks, recreation and cultural activity, but also looking at any city announcements that the city might have.
“We recommend it remain in the capital budget. It’s not there for this year. We just couldn’t make it happen.”
Councillor Karen Skadsheim asked if the city’s installation would be of similar quality to the signs at Brooks Secondary School and First Credit Union. Boogaards said he believed it would.
He added that digital technology is improving constantly and for the sign being looked at by staff, the cost came down and quality has increased from the signage priced by the former parks and recreation director in 2011.
Councillor Rob Southcott asked about location for the proposed signage.
Boogaards said location will be examined this year. He said its placement will have to ensure there is a line of view from the complex so it can be programmed from the office. The location for the signage would probably be on Joyce Avenue, he suggested.
Councillor Jim Palm said when he came to council six years ago, there was a proposal from a business in town that wanted to provide digital signage, but it fell through.
“I’ve been in discussions with some local businesses that may be interested in revamping and getting onboard with that type of program,” he said. “I’m asking the question of council and staff: would you entertain discussions along those lines?”
Boogaards said those discussions have already begun.
Mac Fraser, chief administrative officer, said such an initiative is inherently logical but requires the formality of a council decision because some people believe there’s an issue of sponsorship that council should decide upon.
Marie Claxton, city clerk, said what she was hearing was direction to staff to investigate sponsorship opportunities for digital signage.
“I just want to be clear, Mr. Boogaards, you confirmed the digital sign is in the five-year capital plan?”
Boogaards said it was, but he was not sure what year.
While council mulled what direction to take regarding the signage, Fraser said Boogaards had direction to continue what he’s doing.
