The City of Port Alberni, B.C., is currently working on a design for a welcome sign to be installed at the city’s entrance.
The City of Port Alberni, B.C., is currently working on a design for a welcome sign to be installed at the city’s entrance.
The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce’s executive director, Bill Collette, has contracted Scott Signs, a sign shop in Parksville, B.C., to create three designs—all of which say ‘Welcome to Port Alberni’ and have space to include the city, Tseshaht First Nation, and Hupacasath First Nation logos.
Currently, an Alberni Valley welcome sign is posted on the side of the highway near the city’s entrance, but it is located on Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District land. Collette suggested installing the new sign at the corner of John Street and Johnston Road (near the entrance to Walmart).
“There are three or four entrances to the city,” said Collette during a council meeting. “But maybe it’s just starting with the first and seeing where we go from there.”
The total project cost is estimated at $43,000, which includes design, construction, landscaping, lighting, and yearly maintenance. The city currently has $25,000 in its budget for a welcome sign.
Mayor Sharie Minions said the proposed designs were “a good starting point,” but wanted to provide more feedback about the sign before any decisions were made. She said she would like to see more colour.
“I am quite picky when it comes to things like this,” laughed Minions. “I really like the basic concept. I would like to see us have something that is more authentic to Port Alberni.”
She asked councillors to look over the designs and pass along any feedback to the Chamber of Commerce.
“Since we’re not in any urgent rush to get the sign done, I think we should make sure it is exactly like we wanted before we proceed,” said Minions.
