If you're coming into Guelph, get ready for an updated welcome from the city.
New welcome signs will be posted at several entrances to the city over the next few weeks, though the specific locations have not been announced.
The replacement comes in part because the current signs are faded, have outdated population numbers and the old city logo posted on them.
For perspective, these signs state Guelph's population is around 118,000. The latest Census in 2021 has Guelph's population at 143,740. The new signs will not have population figures posted.
"We had identified this work in and around the time when COVID hit, and for a variety of reasons, that work was reprioritized," said Tara Sprigg, general manager, strategic communications and community engagement. "It falls on to our work plan this year."
The signs themselves, she said, feature high contrast for good visibility, including for night drivers, as well as a clean aesthetic, with nods to the importance Guelph places on the environment, "while imparting modernity and innovation."
"It builds on the city's existing branding," Sprigg said.
The sign project itself falls under the authority delegated to staff, so it didn't fall on council to give approval for the work.
But Sprigg said council has been made aware of the signs, and what they're going to look like.
As for dollars, it's part of the already-approved operating budget, and the only cost is for production of the signs, with the design work being done by the city's in-house graphic designer, and installation to be done by city workers.
The cost of the signs, and how many are going up, was not immediately available.
