One year into Caroline amalgamation, Clearwater County council has signaled it’s high time that signage around the hamlet is updated.
Signs welcoming motorists on the north, southeast and west sides of the community still refer to Caroline as a village and include the slogan Prospering on Nature’s Doorstep. There are also 58 intersection signs throughout the community that include the word village.
Administration prepared a report outlining options and costs for replacing the signage.
Council approved up to $2,500 to replace all intersection signs with updated branding. The cost includes design and manufacturing.
Regarding the larger signs at the east and west entrances, as well as smaller welcome signs on the north and south, administration estimated the total replacement cost at $2,400.
Council approved a plan to install custom signs at the east and west entrances featuring the hamlet’s logo and branding, while limiting the north and south entrances to standard green roadway signs reading “Welcome to Caroline.”
The custom east and west entrance signs are estimated to cost $2,000, while the standard north and south signs are expected to cost about $200.
Other options ranged from installing standard green signs at every entrance — the most cost-effective choice — to designing an entirely new entrance sign. The latter option would involve resident engagement and was estimated to cost about $15,000.
Coun. Lorne Humphrey supported the middle-ground option.
“It’s still a nice sign coming into Caroline on the main highway from the east and the west,” he said. “It’s also a substantial savings from trying to design a whole new sign.”
Updated logo to be included on new signs in Caroline (Clearwater County)
The approved cost includes removal of the existing signs, which administration said are beginning to show signs of wear.
“The sign is starting to peel a little bit,” said county communications coordinator Djurdjica Tutic, who added the sign was last updated 12 years ago, and will eventually need re-lamination.
Reeve Jordon Northcott asked what could be done with the old village signs, suggesting they could be placed in a museum.
Council approved the sign upgrades at its Jan. 26 strategic planning council committee of the whole meeting.
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Hamlet entrance signs on the north and south end of Caroline will be similar to those seen in Alhambra. (Clearwater County)
Intersection signage with former village branding. (Clearwater County)
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