A new sign that points the way to what downtown Smithers has to offer is now up.
The sign was budgeted at $15,000, with $10,000 coming from the Open for Business Award the town won last year. The other $5,000 comes from a Northern Development Initiative Economic Development base grant.
The timber design was created by local artist Facundo Gastiazoro.
“It’s about trying to have a more contemporary view of the theme of the town, which is alpine, using the elements of alpine which would be big wood, rock and timber frame. I tried to do it in the most light way we could,” explained Gastiazoro.
The design had to be “light” according to Gastiazoro especially because of the curved roof that will protect the sign from the elements of northern B.C.
“Not having knee bracing for example... the intention is to have a floating roof.”
Space under the main sign is reserved for promoting events in town. It will also be lit up using electrical infrastructure already in place from the former gas station sign that used to stand at the corner of Main Street and Highway 16.