REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: March 28, 2022 Report No. CSS-22-003
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: David L. Killion, Senior Building and Plumbing Official
SUBJECT:
Title
Esquimalt United Church Mural Proposal
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council approve the proposed mural request from the Esquimalt United Church under the “community beautification program” for the purposes of Section 5.7 of the Sign Regulation Bylaw, 1996, No. 2252, as amended, subject to the following conditions:
1) All murals selected by the organizing committee are to be forwarded to the Corporation of the Township of Esquimalt for final approval by Council of the Township. Any proposed alterations to the mural after final approval by Council must also be approved by Council.
2) Other than murals painted directly onto the exterior wall of a building, all murals must be installed under the direction of a qualified engineer licensed to practice in British Columbia.
3) That this resolution only applies to the United Church mural.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Sign Regulation Bylaw, 1996, No. 2252 as amended
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Support the arts, culture, and heritage community.
BACKGROUND:
On March 25, 2022, United Church Minister Laura Hermekin, presented to staff a request to have a planned mural (Appendix “A”) at the United Church considered a “community beautification program” for the purposes of Section 5.7 of the Sign Regulation Bylaw, 1996, No. 2252 as amended (Appendix “B”). This would allow the mural to be exempted from the Sign Bylaw. Staff have reviewed the request and believe that there is considerable merit in approving the request subject to the conditions noted in the Recommendation section of this report.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
While a more robust policy framework is being developed, staff have determined that the installation of murals should be approved by Council subject to the conditions listed in the recommendation section.
2. Organizational Implications
There will be some staff time required to prepare the proposed murals and background information and respective staff reports for Council’s consideration.
3. Financial Implications
No significant costs are anticipated with recognizing the United Church mural as a “community beautification program”.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no significant sustainability and environmental implications associated with the United Church’s request for exemption from the requirements of the Sign Bylaw.
5. Communication & Engagement
The United Church has spoken informally with neighbours about this proposal. In their proposal (Appendix “A”), they undertake to contact homeowners near the proposed installation sites for the purpose of soliciting feedback.
ALTERNATIVES:
That Council approve the proposed mural request from the Esquimalt United Church under the “community beautification program” for the purposes of Section 5.7 of the Sign Regulation Bylaw, 1996, No. 2252, as amended, subject to the following conditions:
1) All murals selected by the organizing committee are to be forwarded to the Corporation of the Township of Esquimalt for final approval by Council of the Township. Any proposed alterations to the mural after final approval by Council must also be approved by Council.
2) Other than murals painted directly onto the exterior wall of a building, all murals must be installed under the direction of a qualified engineer licensed to practice in British Columbia
3) That this resolution only applies to the United Church mural.
2. That Council consider the United Church mural to be a “community beautification program”; amend the conditions outlined in Staff Report No. CSS-22-003, and approve the proposal as amended.
3. That Council denies the United Church’s request for a proposed mural to be considered a “community beautification program”.