A flap no more, tourism banners fly in the downtown streets

"We really are fortunate to have such passionate volunteers," -- Mayor Herb Pond striving to calm the hurricane of slighted volunteer banner makers

Bannergate is all but over, the one time tempest now but a memory, as the children's and community banners take their place upon the light standards of the downtown area, ready to welcome tourists and residents alike.

In one of the more tempestuous weeks for the normally unflappable Mayor Pond, the anger of the artisans proved to be stronger that the call of bureaucracy, as the city relented on its tourism banner policy, no doubt a little humbled by the backlash from the public.

Using the always helpful mea culpa of poor communications, the Mayor outlined the steps that the city will take from now on in matters of these kind, suggesting that there will be a more consultative approach and we suspect hopefully one that won't have the Mayor having to face angry artists and their parents (not to mention electoral voters) just a little annoyed at the less than open and transparent methods of their decisions.

With the public pacified once again and the damage control complete, the Mayor praised the passion of those civic volunteers who only a week ago were ready to storm the doors to fly their flags. A lesson no doubt learned by City Hall and its politicians and bureaucrats, who are now suddenly aware that the public is quick to action, all it takes is an emotional issue, a bit of arrogance on the side of the city and suddenly the peasants are ready to revolt.

While the issue of the last week has finally been put to rest, one wonders if there will be any leftover animosity on the volunteer side. With those that give of their time and efforts feeling that their city government and tourist infrastructure isn't particularly respectful of their efforts, or mindful of whom they are working for and being paid by.

The Daily News featured the happy conclusion as their front page story in Wednesday's paper.

'STUNNING' BANNERS FLUTTER WITH PRIDE ALONG THIRD
After fears volunteer banners would be side-lined they end up at centre stage
By Kris Schumacher
The Daily News
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Pages one and three

After a breakdown in communication between the various groups involved in the 2008 Banner Project and subsequent public protests and finger-pointing, the City of Prince Rupert is making sure every locally-produced banner has a place to hang.

Mayor Herb Pond announced Monday that more than 80 per cent of available spots on Third Avenue West will be reserved for the Matisse-style Civic Pride banners, made by local student artists as a school art project.

Many banners have already been put up along Third Avenue and have already been garnering positive feedback from locals and visitors alike.

George Hills Way will also have its light posts adorned with the Civic Pride banners as originally proposed, and Mariner's Park will receive a visual arts focus this summer with the hand-painted banners complemented by the Journey of the Salmon art mural.

"We really are fortunate to have such passionate volunteers," said Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond.

"Local people interested in helping visitors explore the whole community, local volunteers looking to beautify the community, and local artists bringing out the best in our youth."

In addition, wayfinding banners, designed by local artist Debbie Mierau and tied to an Exploration Guide aimed to encourage visitors to explore the entire city core, are already being placed along routes in Cow Bay, 'the Cultural District' and 'Historic Downtown'. Pond said that as a result of the confusion and lack of communication between the city, the Prince Rupert Civic Pride Committee and the local Wayfinding group, city staff will develop a clear and simple permitting process for the future to ensure that there is one point of contact for exchanging information.

"I know there was some angst caused by us wanting to slow down for a moment and consult all the groups, but it was important and I'm really pleased with the way city staff did just that," said Pond. "I can't wait to see the results. The youth art is truly stunning again this year, and once again we're giving them places of prominence. Hundreds of hours from the artists, parents and teachers went into creating the banners and it shows in the final product."

Prince Rupert Secondary School art instructor Tasha Parker is happy to hear that her student's artwork will be displayed on Third Avenue West and George Hills Way, although she says many students were upset and discouraged about the manner in which their project was originally received.

"It makes me feel better, but if that's the kind of consideration we're going to get, it doesn't make me want to do it again next year," said Parker. "It turned so many kids off of painting, a lot of them didn't come back and finish painting their banners. But everybody is happy now that there are some on Third Avenue, and they look fine with the commercially-made banners."

Forty-five student-made banners will hang on Third Avenue and around 25 will be seen along George Hills Way.