Exterior digital signage approved for Yellowhead Centre

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The Yellowhead Centre has received the go-ahead on a bit of a digital transformation. The Neepawa & District Centennial Project Committee obtained approval from Town Council on Tuesday, June 20 to proceed with the installation of a new Digital Signage Experience (DSE). The electronic advertising display will be built close to the main entrance to the Centre’s parking lot at Commerce Street. The DSE will be used primarily to promote upcoming events that have been scheduled for both the Yellowhead Arena and Hall.

A hearing on the proposal was held on the 20th to allow for public comment, either for or against the signage. Jeff Braun, development officer for Neepawa and Area Planning District, stated that there had been no objections forwarded to him towards the project. Braun noted, however, that his office had received one phone call asking for clarification on the process, which was provided.

There was no one at the hearing who spoke against the digital signage, while there was one who stepped up in favour. Lindsay Dayholos, the manager of operations for the Yellowhead Centre, spoke to Town Council, on behalf of the Centennial Committee.

“I think this sign is a great opportunity for the Yellowhead to bring more people into the building when they don’t know there is a craft sale going on, Titans hockey game or a minor hockey tournament. Just any event that can be posted would help us alot,” said Dayholos.

After the hearing was closed, councillors discussed the proposal and came to the consensus that it does fit within the allowable rules already in place. The zoning regulations in place already allows for display of static images at six second intervals without flashing content. Existing electronic signage just down the road near Neepawa Area Collegiate Institute (NACI) was cited as a good example of an informative, not overly intrusive digital sign already in use in the area. With the approval from Council, the Yellowhead Centre can provide with pursuing installation. No specific timeline for installation was mentioned at the hearing or council deliberations, though it’s expected to proceed in the near future.