Obviously there is a need for municipalities to enforce rules, but someone in Lumby got a little over-zealous.
Village officials recently forced the Lumby Public Market to rip down a promotional sign because the sign was in contravention of bylaws. As it currently stands, a sign can only be placed on property if it advertises a product or activity physically taking place on that site. The public market occurs in Oval Park and the sign was located on private land on Highway 6.
It’s worth pointing out that the sign had been up for two years and it hadn’t caused a stir, but as soon as the village apparently received a single public complaint, down it came. Was there any actual merit to the complaint and why was the village so quick to act when bureaucrats and politicians had passed by the sign many times themselves and not said a word?
Was there any consideration that while the bylaw was being breached, the greater good of the community was being served. Specifically, the public market provides an opportunity for local farmers and crafters to sell their products and residents can access food grown close to home. It also serves as a draw for visitors passing through town.
At a time when village officials insist there is a need for economic development, their actions towards the market are questionable.
Obviously there are rules for a reason and one doesn’t want signs to pop up everywhere because of safety and esthetic concerns.
However, policies need to be flexible and consider the specifics of individual situations.
In this case, there’s no question Lumby council needs to do the right thing before the market season begins May 5.
