Lawn Sign Campaign

HRM's blunder hits the front pages

Lawn Signs were another way Build it Right successfully got the message out about the Mainland Common Recreation Centre and the citizens action group that formed.

On Sunday November 20th, 2005, lawn signs were placed on private property in the Clayton Park area with the permission of the homeowners. Signs were also placed in key areas on public land in Clayton Park, Fairview and Joseph Howe Drive.

HRM removed the signs shortly after they were erected which garnered much media attention (see articles to the right).

HRM claimed they had complaints from people saying signs were placed on their property without permission. This was not an accurate statement as Build it Right volunteers knocked on every door of the homes where a sign was placed and received permission from the homeowners. HRM also claimed the signs were within 3m of the curb which violated a city bylaw. This bylaw was not upheld as strictly a few months later during the federal election. The signs were eventually recovered only after Mayor Peter Kelly personally authorized their release. The signs were placed back on the properties in accordance with the city bylaw.