With some calling them an eyesore and others saying they help business, portable signage is causing a stir in Kingsville.
Town council voted to temporarily ban any new portable signs in the town, even for businesses.
Resident Dan Loncke spoke out against portable signs, calling them visual pollution. "It's a beautiful town with lots of unique charm and it's being ruined by the proliferation or invasion of these portable signs," says Loncke. "(These) are not necessary for business and businesses need to know that there are many of our citizens (who) react negatively to these signs. So if they think they're helping their businesses, in my opinion they're hurting their businesses."
Gary Vanslembrouck with Slam Signs says this decision affects a lot of people. "It's kind of affecting two livelihoods: my livelihood as a sign business and also the people renting the signs who are trying to keep their livelihood afloat," he says. "They seem to be all retired people that don't seem to have a lot of other things to do, but to maybe complain about these type of things."
The Kingsville BIA is also in support of banning portable signs saying it detracts from the beautification of the area, which hurts tourism.
Kingsville Council says under the Municipal Act, it must grandfather in all current portable signs despite any new rules that come into effect.