The price tag is simply too much for such a sign.
That was the consensus of Delta council during their discussion at the May 27th meeting on a staff recommendation regarding a new welcome sign for the community of Boundary Bay.
Having an original estimated $50,000 price tag, the sign would have been located along 3 Avenue, east of Boundary Bay Road, replacing a previous sign that was removed a decade ago.
Council last summer discussed a report on a proposal to install a new sign but were taken aback by the preliminary price, sending the proposal back to staff for further review.
The latest staff report recommended the city proceed with the installation of a sign, which would include a metal crab figure offset from the front of the sign board and solar-powered lights. The back side of the sign would be finished with a blue colour and no additional graphics.
Past consultations with area residents indicated strong support for re-establishment of an entrance sign and the proposed general design, however, the report notes the price tag has gone up to $55,000.
Council rejected the recommendation, citing the price and precedent it would set for Delta’s other communities that could come forward wanting the city to also pay for a sign for their areas.
Engineering director Steven Lan said he couldn’t find out who had installed the original sign and whether it was paid for by a developer.
Mayor George Harvie said the original sign was removed during the start of the Southlands development and is in storage at a resident’s home but could be re-installed.
