Advertising Policy Approved in Split 5 - 2 Vote

Moose Jaw Public Library inside Crescent Park - Photo By Roxanne Ashe - Virtual Interiors Photography

If you want to advertise at a City facility or sponsor an event there is a new policy now in effect which should make the process more consistent. And although it could also generate new untapped funding opportunities it did generate some attention at the corner of Fairford and Main.

At Monday evening’s meeting of Moose Jaw City Council approval was given for the new policy but it was not without discussion.

During discussion on the issue Councillor Brian Swanson expressed concerns whether the policy was in fact necessary and if it should not in fact be something handled by Council.

Asked by Councillor Swanson about what amount could be approved by Administration director of parks and recreation Derek Blais stated the amount was $150,000 consistent with the purchasing policy which allows the city manager to approve all expenditures to that amount.

“Anything controversial or naming rights would go to council for approval,” Blais stated.

Blais went on to answer the policy would apply to City owned facilities the acquatic centre, Yara Centre, outdoor rinks and playgrounds.

Councillor Swanson stated he was opposed to the idea as it could lead to advertising in places residents may not want to see it.

“Trying to generate a specific rate across the board would be difficult…I am not interested to see our parks have advertising which is right now not allowed…I think people go to parks not to see advertising,” he said.

“I do not agree you can buy a sign in Cresecent Park and with $150,000 limit we (Council) no longer have a say…I am most worried about the parks you go for a walk in…you are bombarded with advertising.”

Mayor Fraser Tolmie entered the debate stating he did not want to see advertising in parks either.

“In my opinion I would not want to see advertising in Crescent Park,” Mayor Tolmie stated going on to say “I don’t see it as Administration looking at hiring an ad person and start selling ad space in Crescent Park.”

As part of the policy Administration will be doing an inventory evaluation of the City’s advertising and sponsorship assets. Under that part of the policy Administration will be preparing not only a detailed list of advertsing and sponsorship opportunities but also the rights and benefits being offered as well as the proposed cost.

Under the policy there would be time restrictions.

“Advertising and general sponsorship agreements shall not exceed a term of five (5) years and naming rights sponsorship agreements shall not exceed a term of ten (10) years unless otherwise authorized by City Council,” the policy states.

“It would be our intent it would come back to Council for a review,” city manager Jim Puffalt said further stating “we are not prepared to do naming rights without Council approval.”

Asked by Councillor Crystal Froese if the Christmas signs erected every year by the Optimist Club would be allowed under the new policy Puffalt said “we think it would be grandfathered.”

Each year the Optimist Club erects Christmas and New Years greetings signs just inside Crescent Park adjacent to Langdon Cresent and is a major fundraiser for the club.

Despite Puffalt stating the inventory would be coming back to Council it was noted by Councillor Swanson it was not noted in the written policy Council was being asked to approve.

“I appreciate you can bring it back but that is not what the policy states,” he said.

Councillor Swanson then proposed an amendment to the proposed policy to remove parks from it.

“I’m not in favour of including parks in here,” he said.

In a vote the amendment failed with only Councillor Swanson and Councillor Scott McMann voting in favour of it. Mayor Tolmie, Councillor Froese, Councillor Dawn Luhning, Councillor Heather Eby and Councillor Chris Warren were opposed.

The main motion to approve the new policy was also a 5 - 2 vote with Councillors Froese, Luhning, Eby, Warren and Mayor Tolmie voted in favour with Councillors Swanson and McMann opposed.

It was stated at a previous meeting the policy is not aimed at facilities leased by the City to user groups such as Ross Well’s Field and Memorial Field as advertising there is sold and managed by the user groups and used in their operations.