Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 ::: Before and After

Astral Media obtained variances to build the pillar sign in Matt Cohen Park in 2005. This is the City Council decision granting the variances. The problem for Astral Media was two-fold. David Mackie, Astral’s leasing man who handled the permitting of the signs, was careless. Mackie didn’t know that a special by-law pertaining to Matt Cohen Park prohibits third-party advertising; Mackie also didn’t know that the entire park is located on the road allowance. The by-laws to which Mackie obtained the variances do not apply to the road allowance. As a result, the permit that the Buildings Department issued for this sign had no legal basis.

The sign was truly intruding upon the brilliant public art work in the park. This is what it used to look like, according to VirtualCity.ca:

And now, it is gone:

Of course, since Astral obtained that variance, the local city councillor changed, and that made all the difference in the world.

Be more careful with those permit apps next time, Mackie.

After photo: Jonathan Goldsbie