Though Delta council approved the variance permits for Cascades Casino Delta’s proposed large, illuminated and flashing sign during their Feb. 14 meeting, they’ve urged city staff to work closely with the applicant to mediate concerns from neighbouring farms.
The five correspondence pieces sent to council expressed opposition to the applicant requesting to put up signs that go against the city’s signage bylaw in terms of maximum size and permitting animated and flashing signs.
Most cited light pollution being the main issue, saying the proposed illuminated, flashing sign would disrupt people within their homes, disturb waterfowl trying to feed on farmland at night and affect surrounding livestock.
Others were concerned about the sheer size of the signs particularly of the one proposed to be lit up and flashing, saying it would create an eyesore.
“When we turn this back to staff, I just need some assurance that those concerns are going to be addressed ... [and] be looked into and reported back before we finally adopt the bylaw changes and variances, [then] I’ll be okay with moving it forward,” said Coun. Dan Copeland.
Council then agreed to amend the Community Planning and Development Department’s recommendation that the variance permit for the biggest, animated and flashing sign be issued, adding that these visual-impact concerns need to be addressed in order to have that permit.
The offending sign is requested to be seven metres tall, which is double the bylaw’s maximum height, and to have an area of 29 square meters, which is 11.5 square metres more than the bylaw’s maximum.
Mayor George Harvie highlighted how the existing signage bylaw was created all the way back in 2003, and how even minor requests for signage variances have to come through council to be approved.
The sign’s proposed location is in the northwest corner of the property at 6000 60 Ave., surrounded by farmland, and would be on an existing right-of-way.
It would be “the first point of contact with patrons; consequently, the applicant is requesting a larger sign and electronic reader board to promote its brand advertise and market casino programming such as events, entertainment and dining,” reads the staff report.
Councillors Alicia Guichon and Jeannie Kanakos agreed with Copeland, stressing that these neighbouring farms need to be heard out and have their concerns addressed by the applicant.
“I’m hoping that there will be a direction of a more elegant, keeping with the natural setting [design], rather than flashing garishness – it’s just not necessary,” said Kanakos. “Folks who are going there, [to the casino], are going to know where they’re going and not be able to miss it, so, I really hope that something very tasteful and perhaps more muted than in a normal setting where you’ve got competing bright lights [is presented], because this isn’t the case, it’s in the middle of farmland.”
Council also approved the applicant adding three Liquor-Primary licenses and two Patron-Participation Entertainment Endorsement licenses and will be sending a resolution in support of the licensing to the province’s Liquor Cannabis Regulation Branch.
