Tourism Minister Greg Deighan announced today that the Province has accepted the findings of the Signage Policy Review Committee. The Committee tabled a report late last year after an extensive public consultation process. The Report of the Committee contains a number of recommendations intended to modernize and improve signage across the province.
"Recently Government reviewed the Report and is in agreement with the general direction set out in it. Over the next several years, and as resources permit, we will be acting on a number of the Committee's recommendations," said Mr. Deighan.
"Our first priorities will be improved provincial highway signage and a new program to replace the current Highway Information Signage System. In the Report, the Committee recommends the establishment of a new Visitor Information and Directional Signage Program," said the Minister.
The new program includes the use of kiosks or "map stops" in higher traffic areas. This approach will enable new businesses the opportunity to direct travellers to their property. In many areas, there is simply no room for additional individual signs," said Mr. Deighan.
The Department of Transportation and Public Works will also be moving forward on recommendations of the Committee. Transportation and Public Works Minister, Don MacKinnon noted that his Department will be moving toward recommended new provincial directional signage as existing signs are replaced.
"Modernizing our signage system will have long-term community and economic benefits. As this process unfolds, Islanders as well as visitors will notice a modernized signage system that will enhance the continued safe, efficient movement of people, good and services throughout Prince Edward Island," said Transportation and public Works Minister, Don MacKinnon.
One of the recommendations contained in the Report calls for the development of new legislation to govern signage in the province. The public input process which followed the release of the Report made Government aware of the controversy surrounding some of the recommendations and they will reviewing each one on its own merit.
"The Report of the Signage Policy Review Committee sets out a number of guiding principles upon which future provincial signage policy should be based and one of the key principles is the protection of our Island landscape. Our landscape is one of our most cherished assets and we must preserve it by way of managing roadside signage," said Mr. Deighan.
The Report of the Signage Policy Review Committee can be found online on the government website at www.gov.pe.ca or in hard copy at Island Information Service (902) 368-4000.