Photo: Grande Prairie Downtown Association

By Shaun Penner

Welcome Sign

Downtown Association pushing for new “City Centre” sign

Apr 9, 2019 | 2:32 PM

Grande Prairie’s Downtown Association continues to push for a new look for the city’s downtown core.

The association presented to the Community Living Committee this morning, looking to make several changes to the aesthetic of Downtown, in an attempt to modernize the look of downtown.

One change they would like to see is a new welcome sign, with that sign donning a new name, known as “City Centre.”

An artistic concept of what the new sign would look like (Photo: Grande Prairie Downtown Association)

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“We want to see ourselves as something that is focused as (a) modern, urban vibe, respecting the historical side of our city,” said Executive Director of the Downtown Association Wendy Bosch. “But moving in progression, not dating us.”

The sign would feature LED lighting, that would illuminate the sign at night, as well as be able to change colours at different times.

An artistic look at the new sign at night (Photo: Grande Prairie Downtown Association)

“Anytime there is a festival, or some kind of celebration, or time of year, the lighting can change to reflect that,” said Bosch. “If there is ever something on the global aspect that we want to show respect, on our side, we can also do it that way.”

Bosch further added that the association feels that the new look would help change the perception of the city’s downtown and make the core a point of pride for the city. She also feels having the word “down” in downtown brings too much of a negative vibe, hence the move to calling it City Centre instead.

The ask from the city is for $50,000, while the association itself would put in $25,000 upon council approval. The decision on whether to move forward with the project will be made at a future city council meeting.