UPDATE: Community groups like the Kelowna Community Food Bank were intially relieved they would be able to unfurl their banner once again after hearing the City and FortisBC resolved a ban, but it turns out the ban will continue for large banners.
“It makes no sense to me,” says Vonnie Lavers, executive director of the Kelowna Community Food Bank.
The Food Bank was taken by surprise when FortisBC recently announced they were enforcing safety regulations and not letting the City hang banners or decorations like hanging baskets from power poles or street lights.
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Following discussions over the last week, FortisBC agreed to allow only small community banners and decorations on some streetlights that can withstand the extra load. Large banners like the Food Bank’s Christmas in July campaign banner will not be allowed.
The old wooden poles that held the banners were removed and not replaced, according to City spokesperson Tom Wilson.
“They weren’t in the budget this year,” says Wilson.
The City will advise FortisBC of locations it intends to use for small flag banners and seasonal decorations.
“The City will continue our small banner and decoration programs by hanging them only on streetlight standards that can carry the extra load,” says Mayor Walter Gray.
FortisBC generally discourages hanging any material on power poles or light standards because it can interfere with work and crew safety.
“We understand the importance of decorations to the City and are working together to make sure that we can safely service the City’s infrastructure now and in the future,” said Dwain Bell, vice-president of operations at FortisBC.
Lavers was disappointed the City has made no plans to accommodate large banners that inform of community efforts.
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