Signs cause a stir on 21st Street

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This article was published 23/09/2024 (559 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon resident Trevor Surgenor alleges signs placed by The Village Green Condominium Board on the public right-of-way along 21st Street (south of Ottawa Avenue) are aimed at deterring the use of the lawn by neighbouring residents, particularly new immigrant families.

Surgenor, who lives in the area, said Monday that the placement of the signs, which state “PRIVATE PROPERTY: Residents and Invited Guests Only,” are ‘unwelcoming.’

“The property is approximately 10.5 metres from the road, but they are asserting ownership and privilege of the public right of way,” Surgenor said. “For the last few years, new immigrant families, especially East Indian families, have been gathering here in the evenings to walk, play, and socialize. The community was a bright spot until the signs went up.”

Surgenor noted that the signs, which were originally relocated to the condo property line following discussions with the ward’s city Coun. Greg Hildebrand, reappeared inside the public right-of-way shortly after.

“The street was suddenly empty of the happiness that was blossoming. It’s like they’re saying, ‘You people are unwelcome and need to stay on your side of the tracks,’” he added.

Village Green Condominium board president Mary Chambers declined to comment directly on the allegations.

However, Chambers suggested that more information might be forthcoming from the condo manager Chelsea Gunderson.

Gunderson did not respond to the Sun’s phone calls and messages.

Hildebrand confirmed he has been in contact with both parties and the city’s bylaw enforcement team.

“I’ve connected the resident with bylaw, and my understanding is that they have been contacted. I would expect that bylaw would follow their proper procedures,” Hildebrand said. “I hope this issue comes to a reasonable and peaceful conclusion.”

According to Surgenor, the condo board’s initial justification for the signs was safety.

“They claimed concerns about potential damage to cars in their private lot and the safety of children playing among the parked vehicles,” he said. “But these unwelcoming signs don’t say, ‘play safely and respectfully.”

A representative from the City of Brandon told the Sun the city only permits signs on rights of way under the guidance of the traffic bylaw.

“Private signs are restricted to outlined parameters within the traffic bylaw and are limited to garage sales and real estate open houses,” the spokesperson said. “All others are prohibited and subject to removal and fines issued by the City of Brandon bylaw enforcement staff.”

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