City street signs up for grabs

Signs for sale by the City of Ottawa.

If you are looking for a gift or want to own a piece of the capital's history, the City of Ottawa might be able to help you out.

For just $10, residents can purchase a retired street sign, one that's either damaged or outdated. There are signs from Kanata, Nepean and Orleans before amalgamation, and ones that were just getting too old.

Hunter Hill picked up a Clemow Street sign for his friend who recently moved out of the area.

"I thought it would be perfect to get him the sign of his old street," he said.

"It's extremely awesome. I think a lot of people who really enjoy having a little piece of where they are from or their heritage."

Many buyers gift the Ottawa memorabilia to friends, while others use it to decorate their basements, mancaves and or cottages.

Dave Cummings, who recently moved to Ottawa, said the Steeple Chase Drive sign would be a fun addition to his home.

"We just thought it was a neat idea and we thought that we would perhaps put it in the garage or put it in the family room. It just helps us move to Ottawa," he said.

The hundreds of decommissioned signs are housed at a City of Ottawa building at 175 Loretta Avenue North. There they are sorted, counted and posted online for customers to pick and choose their favourites.

The signs, especially popular ones like Main St., and Sparks St., sell out quickly. Luckily for buyers, new signs are added to the collection all the time.

"Every two weeks we get a new list and they are updated on Ottawa.ca," said Alain Robinson, with the City of Ottawa.

Signs can be picked up at 175 Loretta Ave. N. from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Payment is due when the sign is picked up. Orders are taken online.

You can find out more on the city of Ottawa's website.