One of Prince Albert's busiest intersections will look a lot different by this time next year. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW's Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Digital Billboard

City council approves large digital billboard

Jul 16, 2019 | 12:00 PM

As early as fall, a ten foot, double-sided, digital billboard will help fill the space at second Ave. W. and 15th St. W.

Prior to voting Monday, there was some discussion amongst city councilors about the proposed location. Ward 8 Councilor Ted Zurakowski was among those who felt a location further north would be a better fit for the sign, which will strictly advertise community events.

‘If we want something to advertise the Rawlinson, why is this location better than the one that’s actually in front of the Rawlinson?,” he asked.

Ward 1 Councilor Charlene Miller said she would also like to see the sign go up outside the E.A. Rawlinson Centre.

“For a first class facility I’m struggling with the sign they have out in front of them,” she said.

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The City’s Communications Manager Kiley Bear explained that by putting the sign in front of the E.A. Rawlinson Centre it would interfere too much with bridge traffic. Bear also suggested there would still be an opportunity in the future for the facility to have its own sign.

Council was also informed that the 15th St. W. location would provide the best visibility to advertise the community events. Ward 6 Councilor Blake Edwards said he had no issues with the location.

“The vehicles that drive by, car after car after car, they will see so it’s very positive,” he said.

Another question raised by council Monday related to how bright the screen would be. Mayor Greg Dionne said the brightness could be adjusted, very similar to how people can adjust the brightness on their smartphones.

The City expects to have the sign go up later this fall, as the design process has yet to be finalized and delivery will take about eight weeks. Tax payers will not be paying for the sign. The money for the sign will come from the payout Husky Energy gave the city, following the oil spill in 2016.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell