Over-sized street signs to improve wayfinding

For immediate release (August 29, 2014) – Over-sized street name signs are being installed at busy intersections throughout the City to assist motorists in finding their way.

"This initiative was brought forward as part of a coordinated effort to improve signage throughout the City,” said Director of Public Works, George Bowa. “Often times visitors and motorists trying to find their way slow down through major intersections if the roads are not clearly signed.  These large street name signs will help to readily identify major roads and keep traffic moving safely.”

Typical street name signs use lettering which measures 10 centimetres in height.  The new oversized signs will more than double in size at 25 centimetres in height, and will be hung near traffic light signals to ensure street names are clear and visible.

Over-sized street signs will be hung at 13 major intersections, including intersections along Memorial Avenue, West Street, Coldwater Road, Westmount Drive, Front Street and Mississaga Street to name a few.

The installation, approved through the 2014 Capital Budget,  is well timed as the City moves towards a new Branding & Wayfinding Signage Strategy which will look at a comprehensive plan for directional signage for visitors.

For more information about the City of Orillia Branding & Wayfinding Strategy visit www.orillia.ca/branding.

The City of Orillia is a city of 31,000 people in the heart of Ontario’s Lake Country on the shores of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe. Visit our website at orillia.ca.

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George Bowa
Director of Public Works
City of Orillia
705-329-7246
gbowa@orillia.ca

Laura Thompson
Manager of Communications
705-325-8929
705-826-4399 (cell)
lthompson@orillia.ca