‘Got to go!’: City councillor succeeds in fight to paint over cannabis shop billboard

Work underway to paint over sign for cannabis pot shop in downtown London. CTV's Sean Irvine has more.

A London city councillor has succeeded in covering over a painted billboard he felt had “to go.”

Peter Cuddy said the sign for a cannabis shop will soon be replaced by a community mural.

It is the next step in a back-and-forth battle between the business owner and the city.

Cuddy pushed to cover the sign after noticing it with fellow Coun. David Ferreria.

“We drove right by the sign, and I said, ‘David, that sign’s got to go!’ and he said, ‘I agree, Peter, let’s do it,’” explained Cuddy.

Initially, Cuddy proposed a mural with a welcome message and the store’s logo to the owner, Ali Khan.

“We didn’t get that cooperation,” Cuddy stated, “So, we moved ahead with bylaw, and now we’re able to go ahead and paint over the signage.”

But before the paint was applied, CTV News reached out to Khan.

He told us the city was applying “the hammer” to him because he wouldn’t allow his logo to be painted over.

He intends to speak with a lawyer.

Yet, Cuddy insists the city went through the proper channels. He also points to city bylaw officials who were on site approving the action. Cuddy also noted the billboard is not located in the same building as the business, which is a few doors down on Richmond Street.

Many of those passing by told us they support the action, but others felt the city had overreached.

“That’s a little ridiculous. They need a sense of humour,” said Kristibeth Kelly.

But Cuddy counters that the message is all wrong, “We want a welcoming sign to visitors, to students, and to the residents, and quite frankly, ‘Your Highness’ isn’t it.”

But again, not everyone agrees.

“This (the billboard) is fun. This is whimsical. This is lighthearted. And we need that in London,” concluded Kelly.

Her comments were moot by early afternoon, as the message was painted over.

Cuddy said a contest to create a new mural will begin in the spring.