The “City of Champions” slogan could be removed from Edmonton’s welcome signs as early as this summer, if several council members have their way.
Coun. Michael Oshry floated the idea Monday to get rid of the unofficial slogan as soon as possible, while the city works on a long-term re-branding strategy.
Plans to replace the signs entirely will likely have to wait until the city makes a final decision on a new brand and logo, which could take more than a year.
“Right now [the signs] show the city in a poor light, I think, and that’s why I think it’s time to change it,” Oshry said.
He called the signs ugly, old and outdated. He said removing the slogan would be an inexpensive and easy way to update the signs while the city works toward creating a whole new image and brand.
“It really just shows that we are going to be doing something about moving this forward," he said.
Coun Scott Mckeen said he would love to see the slogan removed from the welcome signs “sooner rather than later.”
It would still leave the city with signs that look outdated, he said, but that would be fine for now.
Other councillors think the signs should be left in place.
Coun. Dave Loken said it would be premature to remove the slogan. The words “City of Champions” mean different things to different people, he said.
“I haven’t heard anyone driving into the city say this is a terrible sign,” Loken said.
He has heard from members of the public who think the city is wasting its time, and should instead be focusing on much bigger priorities.
Edmonton "City of Champions" no more
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