Tyler lowey
Morning Star Staff
The Log Barn was established more than two decades ago and is a recognizable structure in Spallumcheen.
Issues about the Log Barn’s signs had become a concern in regards to the safety of the drivers using Highway 97A.
“For me it’s about the distractions on the highway,” said Coun. Christine Fraser. “There are too many extra distractions with all the different signage for people driving by.”
This past May, the Log Barn removed signage in accordance with council’s request and suffered a 40 per cent loss in revenue, according to Brad Elenko of McElhanney Consulting Services.
The Log Barn feels the signage has a direct correlation to their revenue.
“When the signs came down, people would come into the Log Barn and had to ask what exactly it is we did here,” said Log Barn owner Kimberley Stuart.
In order to try and recover from the loss in revenue from the sign removal, the Log Barn requested that council approve a select number of signs to be reinstalled on the property. Council voted unanimously against the request.
The signs they were aiming to have reinstalled were a Dave’s Goat Walk sign, a Log Barn sign that was displayed over the entrance and a fruit sign with a giant apple over the fruit hut.
“Because of where you are located on the highway, the traffic is heavy coming up the crest of the hill and some drivers are not as attentive as they should be and they are dangerous,” said Coun. Todd York.
“It’s our obligation to protect the community against an accident.”
Coun. Andrew Casson attempted an amendment to allow just the fruit and Log Barn sign, but it was not approved. Elenko pointed out that O’Keefe Ranch is allowed two more signs than what the zoning requirements allow, but it did not sway council’s opinion.
