CommunityTourism

These signs are blowing some people’s minds

As that old song from the Five Man Electrical Band puts it, “Sign, sign, everywhere a sign, sign, blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind …. ” 

That seems to sum up the general reaction of Yukoners to the nine new “Welcome to the Yukon” signs being positioned around the territory this month and in August.

Each of the local artists whose work was chosen was paid $6,000.

The program, however, has launched a vigorous debate on social media. It has even resulted in a contentious letter to Tourism and Culture Minister John Streicker from Jacqueline St. Jacques, ostensibly representing the territory’s independent tourism companies.

“The Yukon welcome signs are an important part of a Yukon travel experience and a source of pride for Yukoners,” she wrote. “These signs are regularly photographed and shared on social media to a large international audience. Improving these signs will help support businesses, communities, and visitor experiences across the territory,” she added.

“The new sign has certainly hit social media and is a hot topic of conversation. The public response is clear: the new sign is not an improvement, and locals, tour operators and tourists want the old sign back.”

St. Jacques went on to present some of the complaints she’s collected.

“It looks like a high school art project. It does not complement the beautiful natural surrounding environment. The smaller scale does not match the environmental setting. It is jarring to the eye, not aesthetically pleasing.”

She listed quite a few more criticisms about the project, but the comments on social media also provided a glimpse into the public mindset.

Those comments were not uniformly negative, however.

One person wrote,  “I really like the new signs … however I wish they also stated ‘larger than life.’”

One person posted on the government’s Facebook page, “I saw the new one on Sunday coming back from Atlin and we commented on how cold and unwelcoming they are. Not a fan. Definitely should say ‘Welcome to the Yukon.’”

Another person wrote, “They look a bit tacky. I felt the same way about their ‘metal’ music video (released several months ago). The Yukon really needs to emphasize nature and natural and quiet and solitude, and etc. You go north to get away from people, plastic and noise.”

“The government seems to be looking for ways to spend needlessly in many communities,” another person wrote.

“I also believe there are people making comments that they like the changes in an effort to get others to follow along. I mean no disrespect to the artists, but I don’t like the new signs. I think that the signs should at least say ‘You are entering the Yukon’ or some sort of welcoming.”

There are approximately 200 comments on social media that are readily accessible. Few are in favour of the project to any degree.

MLA Geraldine Van Bibber from the Yukon Party isn’t a fan either.

“The Yukon Party Official Opposition joins the many Yukoners who are disappointed with the results of the unnecessary replacement of our welcome to the Yukon signs,” she wrote.

 “The old signs were iconic and a must-have photo for so many visitors to our territory, particularly on the road to Skagway. Social media posts show that Skagway residents are equally unhappy with the new sign, and they are organizing a petition to ask for the old sign to be reinstalled,” Van Bibber said.

 “We are concerned about the costs of the project and the maintenance that will be required for these signs after one or two winters in the Yukon,” she added.

“The government already struggles to keep our existing interpretive signage and tourism banners in good condition, and they have been shutting down highway rest stops because they are unable to adequately maintain them.

“It is also odd that the signs have failed to include a ‘Welcome to’ and ‘the’ in front of the Yukon,” the MLA said.

When the plans for the new signs were announced last month, Streicker said, ““These signs showcase the Yukon’s awe-inspiring landscapes and vibrant culture, and they will do a great job welcoming visitors and supporting our local tourism sector.

“As Yukoners, we can all be proud to see our local artists’ work displayed throughout the territory.”

Cameron Webber, a spokesperson for Tourism and Culture, said this week the government “recognizes the strong attachment people feel for the old signs and have ensured that their legacy will be honoured and preserved through permanent display at the Watson Lake Sign Post Forest and the Yukon Transportation Museum in Whitehorse. 

“We also recognize that the new design will not resonate with everyone. As is to be expected for such a prominent visual change, we are hearing some disapproval, but we are also hearing very positive feedback from visitors and locals who appreciate the design and the integration of artwork by Yukoners,” Webber said.

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