How an Annapolis Valley man is working to ensure civic signs are visible on every property

Adrian Johnstone, a dedicated volunteer firefighter and 911 operator, was struck by the lack of visible civic signs on homes as he delivered letters from Santa around the Annapolis Valley last winter. This observation raised serious concerns for Johnstone, as he realized that in the event of an emergency, the absence of a visible civic address number could significantly delay the response time of emergency services.

In Nova Scotia, blue reflective signs displaying civic address numbers are crucial for emergency responders to locate properties quickly. Johnstone emphasized that having a visible civic sign could be the difference between life and death in critical situations. Motivated by this realization, Johnstone collaborated with emergency agencies to raise awareness about the importance of civic signs. He utilized his popular Facebook page, The Valley Eye Photography, to spread his message to the community.

Recognizing the limitations of social media outreach, Johnstone also drafted letters to the towns of Kentville, Wolfville, and Berwick, as well as the Municipality of the County of Kings, seeking their support in educating residents about the significance of civic signs. He stressed the responsibility of local authorities in ensuring that every resident is informed about this essential safety measure.

In response to Johnstone’s efforts, some municipal councillors have shown interest in funding a project that would provide civic signs paid for by the municipality. Wolfville Mayor Jodi MacKay acknowledged the town’s dedication to educating residents on the importance of visible civic signs. Compliance officers have been tasked with delivering letters to all residents to remind them to maintain their civic signs for optimal visibility.

Mayor MacKay admitted that even she was unaware of the necessity of a civic sign until she was informed about it. She emphasized that residents must prioritize this aspect of safety, as it is easy to overlook until it becomes crucial. Johnstone conducted a survey of over 4,700 properties in three counties, revealing that approximately 62% of them did not have properly displayed civic signs.

Both Johnstone and Mayor MacKay highlighted the vital role of civic signs in emergency situations, particularly following recent tragedies like the 2023 wildfires and flash floods that claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy in the area. The necessity of visible civic signs for efficient emergency response has become even more apparent, prompting increased efforts to ensure that all residents prioritize this essential safety measure.