News Releases
Government Home Search Sitemap Contact Us  


August 3, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


Government announces New Highway Signage Policy

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced government's new highway signage policy. The new policy includes the types of businesses permitted to erect signage, rules and regulations regarding the style of signage permitted, and where signage can be displayed on provincial highways. Also participating in the news conference was Stelman Flynn, President of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL).

"The new highway signage policy balances the needs of the traveling public for good directional signage with maintaining a safe and efficient highway system," said Furey. "The new policy will put in place a clear set of rules on promotional signage."

The new policy identifies the types of businesses which are permitted to have promotional signs on the highways. Establishments such as theme parks, craft shops, art galleries, museums, tour operations, community festivals, farmers/fish markets, hotels/motels, hospitality homes, cabins, campgrounds, fuel stations, eating establishments and trailer dumping sites will be permitted to erect signage under this policy.

"Government is promoting Newfoundland and Labrador to the world as a first-class unique experience. The development of a set of standards for highway signage that will be strictly enforced is one of the ways we can further support the province’s rapidly developing industry," said Furey.

The new policy reflects some modifications to the 1991 Highway Sign Regulations including: sign plazas and kiosks are now permitted, greater flexibility in sign dimensions, and the elimination of maximum off route distances.

HNL is pleased that government is moving forward now and has put its support behind the new signage policy. "During recent months, we have been working with government and other stakeholders to hammer out the details of this new policy. I believe that the policy on the table here today meets the needs of this province's growing tourism industry," said Flynn.

Many existing signs on the highways may not be considered eligible under the new policy. As part of the implementation plan, an information period will precede full scale implementation of the policy. During this information phase, an advisory committee consisting of representatives of HNL, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities, Newfoundland and Labrador Chamber of Commerce and officials from relevant government departments will receive public comment and offer advice to government regarding the policy implementation.

"Tourism is the fourth largest industry in the province and there is still a huge potential for continued growth. After consulting with the tourism industry, I believe this new policy is important for the continued growth of the industry," said Furey.

Furey added" "It is very important that businesses apply for permits by September 6 for off-site promotional signs because any signs without a permit or without an application on file will be removed when the policy is implemented this fall."

In making the announcement, the minister noted that he was speaking on behalf of his colleagues from the other departments which have been involved in the development of the policy: Works, Services and Transportation; Government Services and Lands, and Municipal and Provincial Affairs.

Information and application forms for off-site promotional signs are available from Government Service Centres; no fee applies to these permits.

The blue and white fingerboard sign program will continue under the management of Works, Services and Transportation. Applications for fingerboards signs are available from the Department of Works, Services and Transportation. The cost is $375.00 (plus HST) for a three year period. This fee will cover the cost of manufacturing, installing and maintaining the fingerboard sign.

Media contact: Tara Laing, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

Off-Site Promotional Highway Signage Policy

1999 08 03 3:25 p.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement