Parksville council will hire a company to sell advertising on city dog waste bag dispensers.
The city currently spends just over $9,000 a year to supply 200,000 dog bags to 20 dispensers and staff project the deal could save the city half the annual cost, a total of $12,000 over the three year deal, including the purchase of new dispensers.
“There’s no way I want to see more signs everywhere, we’re signed to death around here,” said Councillor Carrie Powell-Davidson.
She also questioned who would want to advertise on them.
“Dog food suppliers,” mayor Chris Burger offered one obvious example, adding it is similar to what Qualicum Beach has just decided to do.
“I’m less inclined to be picky about sponsorship,” said coun. Marc Lefebvre. “I would like to see it expanded if it’s tastefully done, no matter who’s advertising.”
Coun. Al Greir objected to the idea of the city supplying the bags in the first place.
“I don’t think tax payers should spend any money for those that don’t bring their own bags.”
Council voted to sign a three year renewable deal with Vancouver Island based Enviro-Smart to provide the dispensers and biodegradable bags and secure the advertising.
City staff will install the new dispensers and stock the bags which will cost half as much as the current bags, as well as receive seven percent of the advertising revenue.
Councillors Lefebvre, Powell-Davidson and mayor Burger narrowly outvoted councillors Greir and Bill Neufeld, with Sue Powell absent.