A proliferation of private signs on public property has been an ongoing problem for city staff.
Of particular concern are signs placed on power poles and other infrastructure – not 8x10 pieces of paper noting an upcoming garage sale, but significantly larger, professionally made sign boards advertising local businesses. On May 1, nine of these signs could be found on a power pole, with another one on the ground beside it, at the intersection of Auto Road and 10th Avenue SE.
“None of them are legal,” said city planning and community services director Gary Buxton. “The placement of those signs essentially on public property, whether it’s our our light pole or a BC Hydro pole, it’s not allowed.”
Buxton said the placement of private signs in public spaces has been a “constant enforcement battle.”
“Occasionally we go out and we contact the businesses and ask them to take them down, occasionally we take them down. and then new ones come…,” said Buxton. “It literally is just a constant battle for us to try and keep a lid on these things.”
BC Hydro also discourages signs, posters, banners and other objects being placed on power poles.
“Signs, posters, banners or other objects on utility poles create a safety hazard for BC Hydro line crews who need clear access to poles at any time of day or night and in any weather,” said BC Hydro in an email. “A worker can be injured attempting to climb a pole with these obstructions or by the nails that are used to attach the sign. It is for those reasons that the posting of anything on the poles under any circumstances is not permitted.”
BC Hydro said signage on poles can also be a safety hazard to Telus and Shaw crews.
BC Hydro also discourages signs, posters, banners and other objects being placed on power poles.
“Signs, posters, banners or other objects on utility poles create a safety hazard for BC Hydro line crews who need clear access to poles at any time of day or night and in any weather,” said BC Hydro in an email. “A worker can be injured attempting to climb a pole with these obstructions or by the nails that are used to attach the sign. It is for those reasons that the posting of anything on the poles under any circumstances is not permitted.”
BC Hydro said signage on poles can also be a safety hazard to Telus and Shaw crews.
“Signs on utility poles violate WorkSafe BC’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulations,” said BC Hydro. “We realize most people are not aware of the potential hazard this creates for our crews or of the regulation by WorkSafe, so we are asking individuals and businesses to refrain from using poles as public notice boards.
“We ask folks if they have posted something on a utility pole please take the time to remove it. BC Hydro reserves the right to remove any sign at anytime.”
The placement of signage in Salmon Arm is regulated by the the city’s sign bylaw, Bylaw 2880. For clarification around the placement of signs, people can may contact city hall at 250-804-2000.
“The basic principle is you can’t advertise your business on public property,” said Buxton.
The above story was updated with additional information on May 2.
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