UPDATE:
The CRD have reversed their decision to remove the old sign and install a new one.
Read the story here:
‘You spoke and we listened’: CRD reverses decision to replace Thetis Lake sign
—original:
The Capital Regional District (CRD) is getting some angry responses online regarding the new sign they plan on putting up at the entrance to Thetis Lake Regional Park.
The old sign featured cut out logs with royal blue painted large lettering that was unique to the park.
The CRD’s artist rendered sign that is meant to replace the old one is small, and the people of View Royal and Greater Victoria all seem to agree that it lacks character.
Visitors to Thetis & Elk/Beaver #crdParks will soon notice new signs! This marks the start of the portal sign implementation project, aligning w/ the broader CRD Corporate Signage Strategy. Elk/Beaver got a new sign last wk & this wk, Thetis' sign will be removed to prep for new! pic.twitter.com/JzuYcgYztS
— CRD (@crd_bc) January 18, 2023
Some folks who frequent the park are upset with the small, hard to read font that the CRD chose for its newly proposed sign.
They also say that replacing the old sign is not environmentally friendly.
Dear CRD, the first R in the three R’s is Reduce.
There’s no need to replace these iconic signs.
The logs that went into the signs should not be dismissed as trivial.
The proposed sign is boring and the font is 10 times smaller.
Do not waste taxpayer $$.
DUMB decision
— 3 treats ¯_(ツ)_/¯ (@_3treats) January 19, 2023
The CRD is replacing the signage to have a synonymous branding across their parks.
According to the CRD’s “comprehensive strategy for CRD signage,” the aim of this project is to enhance the user’s experience as well as improve visual aesthetics and make the branding consistent.
The aim of the project was initially said to, “be reflective of the overall graphic standards and draw from existing signage where appropriate.”
The CRD did request the public’s feedback and suggestions for what the new signage in regional parks should look like.
…who the heck gave this the green light? Did you folks make an effort and ask ten random people what they thought or are the signs made by a family members' company? C'mon
— Habby (@bag_cats) January 19, 2023
The request for expressions of interest (RFEOI) was announced July 8th 2020, and the call for submissions closed on July 22nd, 2020.
Since the CRD shared the new design online, they have posted the following statement in response to the backlash:
“We’re seeing comments about the change in look and feel of the new park signage. We recognize the new design is a departure from the grey and blue signs people are familiar with at park entrances, and specifically the log at the entrance of Thetis Lake Regional Park. However, as wood signs tend to do, they decay over time and require increasing staff time and resources to stay legible, functional, and safe.”“The new signs have been designed to require as little maintenance as possible and provide many years of trouble-free use. Component durability and vandalism resistance were key priorities throughout the design process, and among other important qualities, the panels are both UV and corrosion resistant.”
