class="tag"Posts Tagged ‘signage’
1 Comment Grants and Funding for Municipal Signs and Business Facade Upgrades
Your Sign Wish Might Be Granted
Over the years we have created many signs that were covered by Facade Upgrade programs, Community Improvement Plans, Tourism Grants and Sustainability Funds. These programs are often run through funding of a province, city, town or municipality. Occasionally the private sector offers grants as well if your project falls within their specifications. Below are explanations of these terms and examples of sign projects that we have been a part of because of the funding available at that time.
Facade Upgrade Programs
We have created several signs for clients through the City of Kitchener Facade Grant Program, but the most dramatic transformation of them all was the changes to the exterior of The Sports Link.
This beautification grant was created to revitalize the look of the Downtown Kitchener business core.
Community Improvement Plans
Community Improvement Plans, otherwise known as a CIP, often includes funding for signage. This year the Township of Mapleton is running a CIP and we are excited to see what it brings to the area.
Last year the City of Waterloo offered a CIP for members of the UpTown Waterloo BIA. For those not familiar with the term BIA, it refers to Business Improvement Area.
This year the City of Waterloo CIP includes the following projects
- intended to improve the appearance of the streetscape and buildings, while conserving heritage properties
- additional grant of up to $5,000 is available per building if the property is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act
In fact, Rachel March the City of Waterloo’s Economic Development Coordinator had this to say
The City has a CIP study area that is slightly larger than the Uptown BIA area (see general program requirements link on the CIP page near the top). The CIP study area is the catchment area for the grants, rather than the uptown BIA area. However, for 2019 the Uptown BIA is offering to double the available grants to applicants who are BIA members for their Façade Improvement works. For example, normally the maximum FIG available is $10,000 (or $15,000 if you are a corner property). In order to receive this, you would have to spend at least $20,000 (or $30,000). The BIA bump up will double the grant to $20,000 and $30,000, however the applicant will have to spend $40,000 and $60,000 in façade improvements to receive this.
Info for this year’s City of Waterloo CIP can be found at https://www.waterloo.ca/en/government/uptown-community-improvement-plan.aspx#Facade-improvement-grant
To further our knowledge about the Facade Improvement Grant in Waterloo Ontario we attended an information session. Below is a summary of what you can apply for during their SPRING application intake.
For the specifics regarding signs for this program, please email us sales@sign-depot.on.ca
PLEASE NOTE the deadline for applying for the Spring intake is in May 2019
We have also learned that the Downtown Cambridge BIA has launched a Signage and Decorative Lighting Improvement Grant.
In order to qualify for a Signage & Decorative Lighting Improvement Grant:
• Applicants must be a recognized BIA Member (Associate Members and other businesses do not qualify).
• Applicants may be eligible for one signage grant per storefront.
• Qualifying applicants may be eligible for a one-time grant of up to a maximum of $1,500 for a maximum of half (50%) of the value of an eligible signage and/or decorative lighting improvement.
• Projects must not have commenced prior to the awarding of the requested grant.
• Projects must be completed within six (6) months of the date of the signed grant application
• Eligible project costs must be actual cash outlay to third parties acting at arm’s length and which can be documented through original invoices or proofs of payment.
• Projects must demonstrate a contribution to the overall quality of the streetscape of the community.
• Signage projects must be permanently attached to the building facade.
For all the info about this grant visit https://www.downtowncambridgebia.ca/applications and scroll to the bottom of the page to find the download links
Tourism Grants
Last year we assisted the Municipality of East Ferris with their roadside signs. They received funding for this sign project through a Tourism Northern Ontario grant, and this year through Destination Northern Ontario partnership, they are adding additional signage.
Sustainability Funds
The City of Waterloo Park Services received funding for upgrades at Waterloo Park through the #TDCommonGround Sustainability Fund which included a new Pedestrian Entrance.
Steps to #StepUpYourSignage
As mentioned in post for 2019 projects, here at The Sign Depot we want you to #StepUpYourSignage and the financial assistance of a grant or fund could make it even easier. Here are 3 things to look for when deciding to advertise your business with custom signs.
- Is there sign grant or financial assistance fund available?
- Does your sign project fall within the parameters of the funding program?
- Does it also include coverage for the required sign permits?
Once you have the above questions answered, then we suggest you file your sign grant application right away. Often these opportunities will only accept a certain amount of applicants and they must be granted within an allotted time frame. After you have applied and been approved for your funding ,our sign experts are here to help make your sign wishes come true.
Pantone Gets Lively as it Introduces Living Coral as the 2019 Colour of the Year
Living Coral in Living Colour
In a stark contrast from last year’s Ultra Violet, this year Pantone has chosen Living Coral as their 2019 Colour of the Year. They describe it as
An animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge
The video above shows how well it can flow into living world under the sea.
They go on to say
PANTONE Living Coral is evocative of how coral reefs provide shelter to a diverse kaleidoscope of color
This makes the colour easy to implement into colour schemes and designs. If you are looking to mix this trend into your branding, then signage is a great place to start. As mentioned in our earlier post, 2019 will be the year to #StepUpYourSignage and choosing this lively colour is great way to refresh your brand in the coming year. Here at The Sign Depot we are thinking of it as a mix of 2012’s Tangerine Tango and 2015’s Marsala. This makes Living Coral the perfect cross section of orange tones to add vibrancy to your signage.
Ways To Add Living Coral To Your Signage Mix
There are two ways to go about adding new colours to your signs. You can either start subtle by changing some of your window graphics, vehicle decals and/or A-frame signs then changing the rest as you see fit, or you can be bold and rebrand your company signs all at once. The first choice makes for a smooth transition, while the second choice makes a big impact. When you decide the choice that best suits your business we are hear to help. All it takes is a visit to our CONTACT US page to connect with one of our sign experts. They can provide you with a free quote and get your company on trend for the upcoming year. Want to know what else we think is trending? Follow our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest feeds to find out.
2019 Will Be The Year to #StepUpYourSignage
Start Planning For 2019 Now
One month from now we will already be into 2019 which makes it the best time to start planning your signage for the new year. The City of Kitchener has already posted that their sign permit regulations will change effective January 1, 2019 so you will want to get your sign permit application in within the next few weeks in order to adhere to today’s standards. We think this makes it a perfect time to #StepUpYourSignage. Our expert sign designers and sign fabricators are here to help you through the process. Whether you need interior wayfinding signs or exterior business signage we can help with sign permits, sign design and all of your OOH advertising.
What’s The Buzz Around OOH Advertising
The term OOH Advertising has had quite the buzz recently. The meaning of OOH advertising is Out of Home Advertising. In other words it is advertising that reaches people after they leave their houses each day. Signs play a big role in the OOH advertising mix. They are a critical part of your business branding and are a necessary component of your marketing plan. In a recent article by THE DRUM it was mentioned that brands that chose to spend 15% of their marketing budget on OOH advertising had a significant increase in their social media channels and improved brand trust.
Crafting unique signs that leave a lasting impression is what The Sign Depot is known for. We can create memorable signs that will keep your brand top of mind with potential clients. Your exterior business sign serves as a 24 hour advertisement for your establishment and is often the public’s first impression of your company.
Start 2019 Off Right
The best way to start off 2019 right is to visit our CONTACT US page and let our expert sign-makers know that you want to STEP UP YOUR SIGNAGE with a custom sign from The Sign Depot in 2019!
Custom Cabin, Cottage and Farm Signs Made from Canadian Cedar
Creating Your Custom Signs
When it comes creating a custom sign for your cabin, cottage or farm we have two different methods to suit your needs. Each option has its own advantages when it comes to western red cedar signs. The first method involves a template for those not sure where to start and the second method works well for those that know exactly what they require. Either choice gives you options that work within your budget and creativity.
Sign Templates for Custom Wood Signs
For those wanting to create a custom sign but needing a little assistance when it comes to the look of their sign we suggest choosing our Template option.
Just pick one of the sign designs at https://thesigndepotcottagesigns.com/collections/all and click on the preferred image. When the webpage for that sign loads, fill in the Text on Sign field with the name and/or words you wish to have on that sign. Above that choose the option of the Single Sided sign price or the Double Sided sign price and then click Add to Cart. Finish the shipping and payment info and your sign will be shipped to you soon. This is also a great option for gifts! Whether it is for Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day or a Wedding Gift, a custom Canadian cedar sign is always appreciated for any occasion.
Fully Customized Signs
If you need a more customization than our template signs offer, then we suggest our custom crafted western red cedar signs as a better fit. While they are a higher price-point than our template signs, a fully customized sign can be manufactured by our expert sign makers to fit your needs. You select the size, shape, colours, images and text that you require on your wood sign and it is made to your specifications. These signs are fantastic for cottage or cabin signs or for family farm signs to carry on tradition and highlight heritage. To get started visit our CONTACT US page and email us your request.
Recognize Your Community of Donors With Donor Recognition Signage
Donor Recognition
According to LIFT PHILANTHROPY PARTNERS there are 3 strategies for proper donor recognition.
- Thank them
- Recognize them
- Tell the story
Each of these areas can be covered by choosing unique signage for donor recognition. Recently we had the opportunity to fabricate a donor recognition sign structure for St. Paul’s University College, which is on the University of Waterloo Campus in Waterloo Ontario. This unique design was developed here at The Sign Depot with the assistance of ABA Architects, also located in the Region of Waterloo. This sign structure has become a focal point in the building and incorporates the 3 strategies listed above. First it thanks the donors for their community involvement. Second it recognizes each donor and their contribution to St. Paul’s and third the arch structure conveys the message of the donors lifting up St. Paul’s and incorporating their spirit into the building.
Below you can see the beginning stages of the sign on the layout drawings and the final installation.
As the donor recognition sign came together it was decided that the sign should light up as the students, professors and staff of St. Paul’s walk through the arch-way. This signals how important their donors are to them by making them take notice of all those who chose to donate to St. Paul’s.
Donor Recognition Walls and Signs
Whether you are part of a University, a Social Enterprise or a Not-For-Profit, making the effort to recognize your donors is a great way to keep in touch with them and their community involvement efforts. It may encourage them to become lifetime contributors to your organization. We can create unique displays of for donor recognition walls, commemorative plaques and memorial signs. Visit our CONTACT US page to connect directly with the Sign Depot designers to see how your donor recognition project can be implemented into your establishment.
Outdoor Dining and 3 Dimensional Signs at Dels
Dear Dels, We Love What You’ve Done With The Place
Approximately four years ago the expert sign-makers here at THE SIGN DEPOT were busy with the signage rebranding of Del Dente to the Dels Enoteca Pizzeria. If you read our earlier post you know the change was quite significant, and you are aware that they were able to re-purpose the original 3 dimensional sign to different part of the building. Fast forward to present-day and the restaurant has upped their game once again. They have created a very inviting outdoor dining space. This Al Fresco dining area, known as #DelFresco, is a charming patio that provides a wonderful dinner spot for the summer. It even has an area for you bring an extra special guest that normally wouldn’t be able to join you while eating at the establishment.
Pet Friendly Patio
The addition of pet beds and water dishes make it a welcoming spot to bring SPOT along with you! This means you can now bring your dog to your fancy Italian dinner.
Outdoor Decor
Beyond the wood tables and the pet area, the Dels Patio is surrounded by bountiful flowers and plants and the signage provides great accents to this fresh air atmosphere.
The custom crafted utensils and dimensional signage serves as a backdrop for the new dining area and because it is a lit sign you can easily find your way to the patio during the evening hours. Open air dining is great way to enjoy warm summer nights and we think the new Dels Patio is the perfect place to try before the summertime ends.
If you are looking to add 3 dimensional signs to your establishment, we would glad to assist you. Check out our DIMENSIONAL SIGNS GALLERY for inspiration and then head to our CONTACT US page to connect with us.
Social Enterprise and Small Business Signs
Community Involvement Means You Are Always Learning
The month of June was beyond busy with our cottage sign segment of the business, but we still take time to be involved in our community and find ways to learn about new ideas. Earlier this month The Centre for International Governance held an advance screening of the film THE SOCIAL SHIFT along with a Q&A with the creators of the film, Meaghan and Marie Wright of Mirror Image Media. Many in attendance were new to the concept of Social Enterprise and the positive effects it has on a community. The creators summed it up well when it was stated that many business owners wait until they retire and then become philanthropists. In reality they could be creating businesses that “do good” as their mandate, which then would be referred to as a social enterprise. You can learn a bit about social enterprises in Canada by viewing the film’s trailer below.
Throughout the filmed the audience learned about Canadian businesses that assist with environmental change, companies created that gave people a place to work and taught them new skills with a chance for advancement and so many many other ideas that help both locally and globally.
Signs With Social Enterprise In Mind
Last month we spoke about our community involvement with the BUDDY BENCH project.
Since then we been able to work on other signage that promotes inclusivity and social change. One was a donor recognition feature at St. Paul’s University College along with signage for their Greenhouse social impact incubator. Another project we were proud to be part of was the WELCOME NEIGHBOUR exterior sign created for the Victoria Hills Neighbourhood Association that was revealed at this year’s Neighbours Day.
As you have noticed in earlier posts we also enjoy being involved in our community, whether it be at sponsoring events or attending events like this above mentioned screening to see how we can be innovative with the way we make our signs and source our materials. For example our preferred metal provider donates and holds fundraisers for the Make a Wish Foundation, which is why we buy from them. When businesses take a look at how they run their company and the businesses they choose to work with they can learn how they can make a social impact. Even small tweaks can provide lasting results and social change.
What To Do With Storm Damaged Exterior Signs
Custom Signs That Weathered The Storm
The past few winter storms managed to cause quite a bit of damage. Some from high winds and others from ice.
If there is a lot of property damage we suggest putting your signage through your insurance claim, but if only your exterior signs need repair and no other property damage was done, then we think your best bet it to contact a sign company that specializes in SIGN REFURBISHING. This will save you the cost of your deductible and the sign company can let you know if you are better off repairing or replacing the broken outdoor signage.
Exterior Sign Refurbishing
Many of our custom wood exterior signs show signs of finishing damage after seven to ten years because of winter storm damage. When that happens, visit our CONTACT US page and let our sign-makers know what needs repaired. We are able to sand down most cedar signs, repair any checks in the wood and refinish the sign to “like-new” condition. This means that the fixed sign receives a new life and it keeps another damaged sign out of the landfill. The longevity of sandblasted cedar signs make them a great choice as they provide dimensional signage that can stand the test of time, with very little upkeep required.
Signs That Are Damaged Beyond Repair
When a sign broken to the point of no repair, we suggest taking pictures of the broken sign and where it was placed and sending them to sales@sign-depot.on.ca to request a quote for a sign replacement. Your estimate will come with suggestions for the new sign and new fasteners that will stabilize the sign going forward. This will assist you with your decisions about that sign and other signage for your establishment.
Once you have decided which option works best for your exterior signs and the signs are placed back on your building, your curbside appeal with rise significantly.
Lykke – Minded 3 Dimensional Signs
The Danish Have Done It Again
In 2017 we told you about Danish HYGGE and LAGOM and what they have to do with signage. Once again they are bringing a new sensation to North America. LYKKE is the new Danish word at the tip of our tongues and we think our 3 dimensional signs fit the bill perfectly. According to The Little Book of Lykke: The Danish Search for the World’s Happiest People, lykke means Happiness but it has shown that people feel much happier if they call happiness Lykke rather than Happiness. Here at The Sign Depot we want all of our signs to bring people happiness, and while we work hard to accomplish that with all of custom signs, our whimsical 3 dimensional signage provides an extra layer of lykke to the mix.
Bring On The Happiness With Our Lykke – Minded 3 Dimensional Signs
Many of our 3 dimensional signs are made from layered High Density Urethane, often referred to as HDU. They are created in our workshop on our CNC router table. Once the form is cut, it is up to our expert sign-makers to shape the sign into the object of our client’s choice. Over the years we have created many sign structures that bring smiles to faces. We think it makes it “Lykke – Minded” signage. You can see examples in the images below.
Spring Into Action
Spring is in the air (most days), and it is often known as a time of renewal. Now that the spring season has arrived it is time to see how you can refresh your business. Could it use a little HYGGE, LAGOM and/or LYKKE? Finding the right recipe for your company is something we can assist with. Just visit our CONTACT US page to connect with one of our sign experts. Together they can provide you with the signage that best suits your business. Do you LIKE (or LYKKE) that idea? Let us know in the comments. We always appreciate hearing from our readers.
Custom Interior Signs That Create Brand Awareness
Interior Signs For Business
When it comes to selecting a sign design for your company’s interior signs it is very important that it conveys your business brand and serves as a constant reminder of what your company is known for.
Most established businesses have a welcoming reception sign that includes the company name and logo, but they often stop with the branding there. Your logo and company name should be on all of your wayfinding and office signage as well. Whether is marking a meeting room or a building directory, your business should be represented throughout the interior of the building. This elevates brand awareness about your company as it relays the message that you are a professional business that knows the importance of clear communication.
Types of Interior Signs
When it comes to choosing interior signs for you company it it best to consider all the signs you will require. Here is a list of the types of custom interior signs that your business may require.
- Reception Signs
- Directory Signs
- Wayfinding Signs
- Washroom Signs
- Office Door Signs
- Meeting Room Signs
- Window Decals
- Privacy Window Frosting
- Elevator Signs
- ADA / Accessibility Signage (IE Braille, Raised Lettering)
Find The Right Fit For Your Business
Once you have selected all the signs that you require, its time to consider what materials they should be fabricated from. Choosing to work with a custom sign maker means that you have several options. You have a variety of substrates to choose from. You can also pick 3 dimensional signs and lit signage. When you find the right fit for your business we would happy to chat with you about pricing. Visit our CONTACT US page to be connected to one of our expert sign-makers. Together we can create the right interior sign mix for your business.
