Draft Policy Soon for Highway Ads

Nova Scotia, with public feedback in hand, will begin drafting new rules to govern highway advertising signs. A draft policy is expected this summer.

"People had many different and creative views on the subject of highway advertising signs," said Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "We found broad support for a policy that would set standards with respect to quality, size and placement of highway advertising signs. We'll now work with this feedback to draft a new policy."

Eleven public consultations on the issue of highway advertising signs were held throughout the province in October and November. More than 350 individuals participated, including business operators, sign manufacturers, representatives of community groups and associations, municipal councillors and members of the general public. Questionnaires were also distributed, and 240 returned. An additional 22 written submissions were also received addressing a variety of issues and concerns.

"Public consultation is key to establishing the best possible policy for Nova Scotia," said Clifford Huskilson, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Nova Scotians are proud of our province and I think we can reflect that pride with a policy that leads to pleasing and informative highway advertising signs."

Said Bridgewater Mayor Ernie Bolivar, president of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities: "Clearly, highway sign standards are needed if we wish to improve highway safety and not spoil our natural beauty. I support action based on broad consensus."

During public consultations, participants suggested the government committee dealing with advertising signs be broadened and assigned the task of drafting standards.

"We're putting a broader committee structure in place to draft a new policy," said David Ross, tourism development manager with Economic Development and Tourism and member of the committee. "Our group will include individuals who participated in public meetings and are willing to consider the big picture. Efforts are also being made to ensure geographic, community, business and municipal representation."

The new draft policy will be presented to focus groups before a provincewide policy is recommended to government.

"We're excited that the process continues to move forward," said Judith Cabrita, managing director of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia. "We need to continue working together to ensure the needs of visitors and businesses are met."

Copies of the public consultation summaries are available on the Economic Development and Tourism website at www.gov.ns.ca/ecor/pubs/signage .