Billboard facts

Re: Delay billboards to look at safety issues, NSO, Oct. 22

Last week’s approval of nine digital billboards on six structures around Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver District and Squamish has generated a great deal of public discussion, which is understandable and expected.

But we feel compelled to weigh in on the inaccuracies and gross exaggerations of some of the more vocal opponents who just don’t have their facts straight.

Wayne Hunter, chairman of Citizens for Responsible Outdoor Advertising, talks about the hazards of driver distraction.

The Squamish Nation’s proposal to install billboards received approval through a thorough and mandatory federal review process, which took into consideration environmental and safety impacts.

A number of research studies have been conducted where digital boards have been in operation for a period of time and show there is no evidence to indicate that digital outdoor boards contribute to increased driver distraction.

These billboards will be three metres high by nine metres wide.

This is not unusually large by industry standards and is not any larger than other billboards in the Lower Mainland.

The nine digital boards are state-of-the-art in their design, technology and construction and are certainly more visually attractive and far more environmentally friendly than the several thousand mostly plywood and paper billboards already operating in the Lower Mainland.

The community will also benefit from the digital billboards. Since the messages can be changed instantly, digital boards can play a major role in real-time community alerts and advisories including weather, traffic, Amber Alerts and other emergency notifications, as well as conveying important municipal messages.

We read that we are installing “several” billboards.

To be clear, there are now only six structures in Metro Vancouver and Squamish.

The Squamish Nation has dramatically scaled back its initial plan that originally called for 28 boards in the Lower Mainland.

The Squamish Nation recognizes that introducing billboards to any municipality has its challenges.

At the same time, the Nation is faced with a tough reality – new sources of revenue are needed in order to support vital social and educational programs and services for its community.

We have heard the community’s feedback, both positive and negative, and our members have shown their support through their votes. We are moving forward with what we feel is the best possible solution for everyone.

Chief Gibby Jacob

Squamish Nation Chiefs and Council

Right project, wrong place?

I write in response to Daniel Pi’s excellent article regarding the final approval of the Hynes Development Project (Seylynn Village), North Shore Outlook, Oct. 22.

This is a brilliant project and Mr. Hynes has done an excellent job, however, I think this is simply the wrong place!

Just this side of the Ironworkers’ Memorial Second Narrows crossing – what?

This is already a traffic bottleneck and introducing 1,000-plus cars a day in and out of the main highway is ridiculous.

Where are our municipal politicians going here?

Their prime directive should be to promote “livability” in our community.

This will only produce more traffic gridlock and pollution.

Wendy Qureshi

North Vancouver District