New policy will create standards for roadside memorials in Hamilton – Hamilton | The Canadian News

Policies are being put in place to regulate the size and location of memorials along the road in Hamilton, as well as what they may contain.

The rules are within a report approved by the city’s public works committee on Monday.

According to the draft policy, locations and contents of memorials along the road will be checked for safety and messages that may be considered “offensive” will be banned, as well as any type of lighting or material that may break, such as glass.

Mike Field, acting director of transportation operations and maintenance, says the rules will create some security for both city employees and community members mourning the loss of a friend or family member.

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“The reason we have a policy is that we do not have one,” says Field. “If you’re a person, and you’re setting up one of these, there’s no reference point for you to use.”

Existing memorials will be exempt from the policy, which has yet to receive final approval from Hamilton City Council when it meets next Wednesday.

The policy stipulates that new memorials must not exceed one meter in height, length or width and can only remain in place for 18 months.

Field adds that communication will be key before memorials are either changed or removed by the city, to ensure that “sensitive discussions” take place.

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Ward 6 gr. Tom Jackson thanked staff for bringing up a “delicate, thoughtful, thoughtful” approach.

In developing the policy, city staff studied the standards that already exist in 13 other municipalities.

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Reference-globalnews.ca

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