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This article was published 27/5/2019 (486 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Three Winnipeg councillors have agreed to cover the cost of a pilot project for Edmonton-style permit signs — intended to better explain the details of a proposed development, compared to the small yellow markers currently used by city hall.

Prompted by a proposal from Coun. Kevin Klein, Couns. Janice Lukes and Sherri Rollins have agreed to join with Klein to use ward allowance funds on signage for three work sites (chosen by the councillors) to gauge public reception to the type used by the City of Edmonton.

SUPPLIED PHOTO An example of permit development signs that are used in Edmonton. Some city councillors want to see Winnipeg adopt similar types of signs. Councillors Sherri Rollins and Janice Lukes have agreed to use their ward allowance funds to pay for similar signs on one property on a pilot basis, to gauge public feedback.

"It’s a small investment (on the councillors’ part) to actually see something getting done," Klein said. "Once we get the signs up, we’ll be able to talk to people. Then we’ll bring back the information we have."

Klein said the signs applicants are now legally required to post on a property are difficult to notice and the information on them isn’t always easily understood.

"It might cover all the legal requirements but when people are reading it, they’re really not sure what’s being proposed or what’s being changed," Klein told reporters following Monday’s meeting of the property and development committee. "This would clear that up for them."

Complaints have persisted for years about the permit signs.

In December 2016, councillors on the committee directed the administration to develop better signage and ways to communicate with the public, with a report due April 2017. The department was given several extensions and the report was eventually presented to the committee in September 2018. However, it stated details on the format for new signage would be contained in a subsequent report, which would not be ready until sometime in 2020.

Klein said he didn’t want to wait that long, and Lukes and Rollins agreed to work with a developer in their wards to post identical signs to those now being used in the Alberta capital.

The Edmonton signs come in two sizes: 24 x 18 inches, or 4 x 4 feet. They are required for new residential structures, demolition and substantial exterior renovations in mature and established neighbourhoods.

The signs have to be made of durable, weatherproof material and contain clear wording that identifies what’s being proposed, along with a drawing of the project.

Klein conceded local builders may not want to incur the additional costs of the larger signs, but added he believes it will make the process more transparent and remove confusion, which adds to delays in getting projects completed.

"Clear communication will go a long way to improving the process and improving the relationship between builders and residents," Klein said.

John Kiernan, director of the city’s planning, property and development department, agreed the signs used by the City of Edmonton are easier to understand, adding similar signage is used by other Canadian municipalities.

Kiernan said the city's traditional yellow notices will still be required on the three project sites chosen by the councillors.

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca