Circle improvements turning outward

Posted January 15, 2013

The next phase of renovations to the Circle Theatre will shift to the facade with plans to replace the outdoor signage and marquee.

Circle owner, Kate Vander Zaag, has applied to the Town for a variance to the bylaw to "increase the allowable projection of a wall sign from 0.6 metres (24 inches) to .762 metres (30 inches) from the wall surface, to be illuminated, to project over a street which is public property and to extend above the top of the wall to which the sign is attached," according to the report recommending approval.

"The Sign Permit Application drawings indicate that there are three additional locations for signage on the property at 19 Victoria Street; a marquee over the front entrance and two window signs located on either side of the front entrance," according to the report. "The window signs are pre-existing and do not require permits as the business is existing. The marquee is considered to be a canopy, a component of the facade of the building structure. It is being processed through the building permit process.
With regard to illuminated signs in the downtown core, there are several existing illuminated signs, including the front sign currently in place above the entrance of the Circle Theatre. Signs that were installed before the Sign By-law was passed in 2010 are grandfathered and hence permitted to exist in contravention of the Sign By-law."

Not only were councillors in support of the application last night, it was fast-tracked as part of a special meeting of council that followed immediately after the committee meeting, so it could be ratified.

Click here to send a Letter to the Editor.