A proposal to add some “sky signs” to the top of a building at one of Burnaby’s busiest intersections is proving worrisome to some of the neighbours.
A City of Burnaby staff report outlines a proposal for the installation of sky signs on the northwest and south elevations of an office building at 7300 Edmonds Street at Kingsway, known as Kings Crossing. The applicant is Gulf and Fraser Fishermen's Credit Union.
To the northwest across Edmonds Street are high-rise mixed-use developments and single-storey commercial buildings. To the northeast along Edmonds Street and to the south across Kingsway are single and two-storey commercial developments. Flanking the development to the east is an older low-rise apartment building.
Sky signs are defined as signs that are located on major commercial buildings (e.g. offices and hotels) at the third floor level or higher. The proposed sky signs are intended to identify the company's new head office location within the subject eight-storey building. Each sky sign will consist of a face-lit channel logo and face-lit channel letters, and will be located within 6.1 m (20 ft.) of the top of the main face of the building. The measurements of the proposed sky signs are compared to the City's sky sign guidelines for lower buildings, generally between three and eight storeys in height.
The city has received several letters from nearby residents opposing the new signs.
“This sign will disrupt residents’ right for quiet enjoyment as it would be a big source of light pollution,” Paul Feng wrote in a letter to council. “The light could very well interfere with a resident’s sleep.”
The residential area does not need large … signs obstructing views,” wrote Graeme Towill.
