The Toronto Council has agreed to amend the sign bylaw to allow an electronic billboard in the Leaside neighborhood.

An article in thestar.com reports the City council has approved a giant electronic billboard in Leaside that was opposed by staff and is the subject of a complaint to the integrity commissioner.

One area representative stated the 19-10 vote to amend the city’s sign bylaw to allow the billboard at the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens was good news for the community.

Outfront Media had applied for a bylaw variance after agreeing to pay the Leaside arena board an additional $40,000 a year in rent. The arena currently receives $9,500 for a much smaller, static billboard.

In the debate preceding the vote, Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker, who supported the proposal, said there was nothing nefarious about the arrangement. He further stated that the approval of the sign was something that should be encouraged and supported all across the city of Toronto.

Opponents, who said the sign has the potential to distract passing drivers, said council’s decision sets a bad precedent.

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