In an unusually well-attended meeting of Village of Burns Lake (VBL) council on Aug. 20, 2013, council unanimously voted to approve the permit application for business owner Gwyndolyn Nicholas’ ‘No to Enbridge’ sign despite two complaints brought against it.
The sign, on the prominent sidewall of Nicholas’ downtown Burns Lake building, contains the slogan, “Pure water. Fresh Salmon. No Enbridge pipeline”. The slogan and a logo of the Lakes District Clean Water Coalition are superimposed over a pristine mountain scene.
Two businesses operate out of the location: Nicholas’ business, Health in Order, and a separate business, the New Leaf Cafe.
The sign went up in the first week of July. On July 10, Nicholas received notice that the sign had been put up without following appropriate by-law protocols, which require a permit when a new sign replaces an old. Previously, a typical business sign of the same size occupied the space.
At the same time she was notified that the VBL had received two formal complaints that the sign was offensive. This triggered an automatic review.
Nicholas would have to formally defend the sign against the complaints in writing, as well as submit the appropriate sign change application by Aug. 9. Nicholas made her submissions on time.
In the meantime, she was free to leave the sign up, at least until this Aug. 20 meeting of VBL council.
The content of the council report - which referenced over 30 letters and emails in support of the sign - was not discussed during council session, although several members of the audience rose to speak in support of Nicholas during regular public comment periods at the start and conclusion of the meeting.
Mayor Luke Strimbold pointed out that the staff report, which council approved, was very clear in its rejection of the notion that the sign should be considered offensive.
Nicholas was generally satisfied with the council’s decision, although she expressed reservation concerning possible inconsistencies in the application of village sign bylaws.
She also remains concerned about the use of the word ‘offensive’ in village documents and questioned whether council should consider reworking bylaw language.
No one present spoke for the sign’s removal.
Full story to follow.