Lloydminster visitors will have to wait before being welcomed by new entrance signs. During the September 23 regular council meeting, Council voted to postpone awarding the entrance signs contract to PM Signs.
The contract would bring four new entrance signs on each side of the city for a cost of just over $180,000. The price is under the budgeted amount for the project is $250,000 for two entrance signs. The current signs have been in place since 1990 and city administration says they have reached the end of use.
Members of council had a few worries and felt it is not the right time for the signs to go up as the city is going through the annexation process to expand the city’s borders.
“With annexation on the way we don’t know where the boundaries are going to be and I have trouble with the signs being outside city limits. The next thing people will think it’s city land and they expect you to this and that,” says Councillor Ken Baker.
Baker felt like it may not be the right time to spend over $180,000 as he felt the economy is still poor.
“Many people are doing well but some businesses and people are struggling. So we have to be very careful with what we are doing with our tax dollars and right now I don’t think the timing is correct.”
Councillor Aaron Buckingham brought up the point of the city will be hosting big events and the sign gives off the first impression of the city. Baker says a sign isn’t going to make a difference whether people come to the city or not.
Council decided more information was needed before making a decision and will come back to it at the October 7 council meeting.