Sam The Record Man Sign Update
January 17th, 2014
Efforts to find the best site for the re-installation of the iconic Sam the Record Man sign have made significant progress in the last couple months. In a meeting with a small group of music industry representatives this week, staff with City Planning outlined various alternatives and their pros and cons. The comprehensive presentation demonstrated that city staff are genuinely concerned about the heritage of the sign and the best way to preserve it, while ensuring the final solution also meets the broader goals of the music community.
The uncertain future of the Sam the Record Man sign last fall created a backlash in the Toronto community and led to the creation of the Save Our Sign group that 4479 was happy to support and work alongside.
Readers will recall that the issue came to a climax at the October meeting of City Council when a motion to amend the agreement with Ryerson University was deferred pending further consideration by the Deputy City Manager, John Livey.
City staff, under the direction of Livey, have conducted a wide consultation so far including:
- Ryerson;
- Yonge Street BIA;
- Area landowners;
- Sign consultants and experts;
- Representatives of the Sniderman family; and,
- Music industry members.
Consultations will continue and will likely include the newly established Toronto Music Industry Advisory Board which is made up of a wide cross-section of the music community. The Advisory Board was established in December by City Council and has not yet had its first meeting.
