At the regular meeting of Council on Monday, Vernon’s Mayor and Council approved the design for new wayfinding signs that will direct the drivers to community amenities and public downtown parking.
The need for a new wayfinding strategy with updated signage was identified in numerous City plans, policies and strategies, as well as feedback from local businesses, residents and committees of Council. The Tourism and Transportation Advisory Committees indicated that current signage was outdated and ineffective, and recommended the need for a new comprehensive wayfinding signage strategy. The Economic Development Advisory Committee, which is in the process of community branding, also expressed a desire for updated signage. Along with the input from these committees, the Downtown Vernon Association was engaged in the design process. The recommended and approved design reflects community branding efforts.
“Beyond helping people get around, wayfinding signs should reflect the community’s identity, instil pride in residents and reinforce the image we wish to portray to the outside world,” said Cleo Corbett, Long Range Planner for the City. “The new signs are larger and brighter, with colour-coded amenities and attractions. They are attractive, playful and modern, and speak to the community character of Vernon.”
Rendered pictures showing lifestyle images of Vernon will be added to the backs of signs.
New signs and replacements for existing directional signs will be installed in the spring of 2015. The next proposed phase of the project includes the installation of pedestrian and cycling signs around the community in 2016.