The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce has pointed out more problems with the city's Zoning By-Law regarding mobile signs. City council recently amended the by-law to make permits for these signs annual instead of monthly. But Chamber of Commerce vice-president Tim Schmitt appeared before council this week to say further scrutiny of the by-law has turned up more issues.

Tim Schmitt"Some examples are, the size of the signs that are currently predominantly used are not compatible with certain zones. Large shopping centres and large properties are significantly limited compared to current usage. And, on premise, off premise stipulations mean that organizations like non-profits and charities are either extremely limited or cannot use mobile signage at all."

The Chamber of Commerce has proposed a joint committee with city council to draft a new by-law that meets the needs of citizens, businesses and government. Mayor Chris Goertzen says city council appreciates the new information and wants to get this right.

"Part of the challenge has been there's been an inconsistency with the application of the Zoning By-Law (regarding mobile signs). I think we want to change that and we want to make sure that we have it clear what the by-law is and also we want to be clear with the Chamber of Commerce that we want to partner with them and make sure that it reflects accurately what we want to see in our community. We want to see a balanced approach for signage in that it respects businesses and community organizations and also respects the view and the beauty of our city "

He adds council will get back to the chamber within a matter of weeks on how it will proceed on this matter.

Schmitt says the Chamber of Commerce appreciates the city's attentiveness to this issue.

"The Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the businesses of Steinbach would again like to recognize the efforts of council to not only be conscientious of the needs of the business community but also to act expeditiously to correct a by-law that was found to be inconsistent with the needs of our city. We look forward to constructively working together with council to enact systems that will effectively meet the needs of citizens, businesses and government in our great city."