4479 supports decision to ensure Sam the Record Man sign is restored and installed for public view, and wants to help identify a location
September 13th, 2013
Earlier this week, the Toronto and East York Community Council considered proposed amendments to agreements between Ryerson University and the City of Toronto regarding the Sam the Record Man signage. Council voted 7-4 to support an amendment moved by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, which recommends that Toronto City Council allow Ryerson to be released from the 2008 agreement and secure the restoration and installation of the neon sign in an alternative location satisfactory to the Chief Planner. The motion requests the Chief Planner report back to the Toronto and East York Community Council within one year on Ryerson’s attempt to find a new location for the signage.
4479 had launched an email campaign to city councillors urging them to find a solution that would ensure the sign is properly restored, maintained and mounted. We were disappointed that Ryerson was unable to find a feasible way to remount the original iconic signs in their historic context but we are optimistic the signs can be restored and displayed in a way that recognizes their significant historic and cultural value.
Prior to the council vote, Music Canada wrote a letter to Mayor Rob Ford and Councillor Paula Fletcher about the sign, stating that if an alternate location must be found for the restored sign, the Toronto music community would be pleased to help identify an appropriate choice. Similarly, 4479 would welcome the opportunity to collaborate on ways the sign could be used to further our campaign to position Toronto as one of the greatest music cities in the world.
Toronto Council will have final consideration on the item on October 8th, 2013.
We want to know: where do you think the Sam the Record Man sign should end up? Let us know in our new campaign:
