Four light posts in downtown Ottawa have been covered with a new, black surface that is intended to keep flyers and graffiti off of them, according to the downtown BIA. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, the BIA said it is piloting anti-stick and graffiti lamppost wraps on four poles outside the Lyon Street LRT Station on Queen Street. The material is meant to “make it easier to keep downtown’s streetscapes clean and well maintained,” the BIA says. “The look is still a work in progress, but for now, we’re putting the material to the test and seeing how it holds up downtown. All part of making downtown a cleaner, more welcoming place to spend time.” The City of Ottawa says the streetlight wraps are meant to be a short-term, limited pilot project and are funded entirely by the Downtown BIA. “The BIA approached the City with the proposal in response to concerns from local businesses about unauthorized postering on streetlight poles. Following a review, the City agreed to permit a limited pilot on four poles. Staff also worked with the BIA to ensure the design would have a minimal impact on the surrounding streetscape,” said Kathleen Wilker, specialist with the City of Ottawa’s Public Realm Program, in a statement to CTV News Ottawa. “The pilot is intended to assess whether the wraps can help reduce unauthorized postering on streetlight poles. In the downtown core, posters are permitted on designated poster collars installed on approved poles. The pilot does not affect the use of those poster collars.” The pilot was met with backlash on social media, with hundreds of comments on the BIA’s Instagram post arguing that removing the ability to stick flyers and posters to streetlights impedes small businesses, artists, and local events. Others questioned why the BIA posted about this effort when issues such as homelessness and substance use disorders also trouble the downtown core. The BIA responded to say it supports Ottawa’s arts community through local partnerships with community organizations. “Our work is funded through a special levy collected above and beyond what our members pay in municipal property taxes. It supports the commercial, cultural and community prosperity of downtown. This includes beautification and placemaking efforts such as planters, banners, murals, street cleaning, and seasonal lighting are funded by this levy and managed by Downtown BIA,” it said. “This pilot project is funded solely by the Downtown BIA. Our goal is to make downtown Ottawa a safe and inviting space for residents and visitors alike.” The City of Ottawa says the BIA will be monitoring public and business feedback on the pilot, and the city will review any results before considering any future requests for extension or expansion to the pilot program.
