Sign Consultations Hit Highway

Nova Scotians' opinions and ideas are being sought on the issue of standardized highway signs.

For one month beginning Oct. 26, provincial representatives will visit 10 towns and cities to discuss a highway signs proposal. The suggested approach is designed to provide the traveling public with directional information that does not hamper Nova Scotia's natural scenic vistas.

Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, says the proposal is a direct result of concerns raised by many private-sector businesses and associations. "Many people believe the proliferation of signs along our highways is hurting our reputation as a travel destination," he said. "We promised to take action and this consultation process will help determine our next step."

The province-wide meetings, hosted by regional development authorities, will focus on general principles and guidelines outlined in a recently released discussion paper, including the merits and criteria for standardized signs.

"Highway signs have to give travelers the information they want and need in the simplest fashion," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Clifford Huskilson. "They should also look good."

"This is an extremely important process," says Judith Cabrita, executive director of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia. "We encourage all industry operators to fully participate in the consultation process as the results will have a profound effect on how we can better serve visitors to the province."

If there is widespread support for the concept, a pilot project will test the effectiveness of standardized signs. Mr. MacDonald added there has already been interest from communities wishing to participate as the pilot community.

"Our membership continues to support a policy for standardized signs," said Ken Tutty, general manager of Tourism Cape Breton, which represents about 400 tourism operators. "Implementation of a uniform sign system would greatly enhance the tourism product in Cape Breton, while providing visitors with needed directional information."

Public consultation sessions will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., according to the following schedule:

North Sydney Monday, Oct. 26 North Star Inn 39 Forrest St.

Antigonish Wednesday, Oct. 28 Greenway Claymore Inn Highway 104, Exit 33

Lower Sackville Wednesday, Nov. 4 Sackville High School 479 Glendale Ave.

Bridgewater Thursday, Nov. 5 Auberge Wandlyn Inn 50 North St.

Amherst Thursday, Nov. 12 Fire Hall 62 South Albion St.

Kentville Tuesday, Nov. 17 Auberge Wandlyn Inn 3230 Highway 1, Coldbrook

Yarmouth Wednesday, Nov. 18 Yarmouth Golf and Country Club 28 Forbes St. (off Main Street)

Baddeck Thursday, Nov. 19 Alexander Graham Bell Museum (East end of village)

Stellarton Monday, Nov. 23 Museum of Industry Foord Street, Exit 24

Truro Tuesday, Nov. 24 Keddy's Inn, Truro 437 Prince St.

Port Hawkesbury Wednesday, Nov. 25 Maritime Inn 717 Reeves St.

Copies of the discussion paper are available on the Economic Development and Tourism website at www.gov.ns.ca/ecor/whatsnew.htm.