A large electronic sign which would display a different “static” ad every ten seconds has been proposed for Eglinton Ave. E. at the CP Rail corridor east of Leslie Street. The applicant is Outfront (formerly CBS) Media in cooperation with two other large sign companies, who are not applicants, Astral and Pattison. A community consultation meeting was held Monday night at Thorncliffe Park Library. It heard that the sign would be approximately 10 metres by 35 metres, a variance of more than 10 square metres high on the embankment beside the track facing west. It would be directed at drivers who are headed east. In total, the sign requires four variances in an area where no advertising is permitted whatsoever. Robert Bader, of the City’s sign bylaw unit said in answer to questions that such electronic signs were shown to be a “distraction” to drivers but there was “no conclusive evidence” that they caused accidents. He did not elaborate on this oddly vague conclusion.
OTHER VARIANCES?
Steve Wolowich of Outfront was eager to offer suggestions that the community would benefit from the insertion of local service messages into the sign’s ten-second “dwell-time” cycle. The sparsely-attended meeting saw opponents to the granting of any variance present. Among the perhaps 20 people was Geoff Kettel, of the Leaside Property Owners Association and Alex Wong, a resident of a condominium at 1105 Leslie Street. He made an eloquent statement against the proposal He was among perhaps seven residents at the meeting to oppose the sign. Mr. Wolowich indicated there are already two variances for smaller signs in favor of Astral and Pattison. He said they had signs on the corridor But these cannot be seen on Google Street recorded in September 2015.
METROLINX NOT A PARTY
He made a firm declaration that neither Metrolinx nor any other party, governmental or private, apart from the railway, has an interest in the proposed sign. He also hinted at a type of quid pro quo for approval of the sign in the possible removal of a long-standing Outlook billboard on Laird Drive at Parklea Drive. He suggested that the company might put benches and create a miniature park at the location. But the circumstances were unclear. Precedent would seem to be important for those wishing to stop the sign. A meeting at City Hall in the Sign Variance Committee Room at 9.30 a.m.on Tuersday March 22, 2016 will make a recommendation to City Council.
