Urban Visitor Sign (UVS) Program
The Town of Watson Lake administers and maintains the Urban Visitor Sign (UVS) Program, under agreement with Yukon Government, to support local economic development and business. This page outlines the program’s purpose, roles and responsibilities, application steps, sign standards, timelines, and fees.
Program at a Glance
- Where it applies: UVS signs attached to the sign structures along the Alaska Highway corridor within municipal boundaries.
- The Town approves locations, installation/removal, and minor maintenance/repairs; unlawful or non-compliant signs may be removed.
Apply for a UVS
- Get the form: email cdo@watsonlake.ca, in person at 710 Adela Trail, or by following this link.
- Submit completed applications in person, by email (cdo@watsonlake.ca), or by mail.
- Complete application includes:
- Signed UVS application form
- Sign plans/specs (dimensions, materials, size, text, font/spacing, colour, content, logos/design)
- Valid Town business licence or proof of registration under the Societies Act (or similar)
- Processing time: up to 15 working days; approval with conditions will be issued if successful.
- After approval: deliver the finished sign to the Town’s specified drop-off location (confirm via cdo@watsonlake.ca).
Sign Specifications
- Size: 244 cm × 122 cm (8 ft × 4 ft).
- Material: ¾ in (18.5 mm) plywood; edges sealed; back and edges painted with two coats of exterior paint over compatible primer.
- Finish: No air pockets, holes, tears, or patches in sheeting/paint.
- Legibility: Minimum letter height 6 in (15 cm); clear and easy to read.
Not Permitted
- Oversized signs; lettering under 6 in
- Content anywhere other than the sign face (manufacturer info excepted)
- Reflective material other than retro-reflective (3M Engineer Grade)
- Moving/rotating parts; intermittent/flashing/rotating lights
- Banners, streamers, flags, or similar devices
- Designs similar to traffic control devices
Design approval by the Town is required prior to installation.
Installation Window & Maintenance
- Install/Removal Period: May 15 – September 15 (weather permitting). Applications outside this period will be scheduled for installation/removal starting May 15 the following year.
- The Town determines sign structure locations and handles installation, removal, and minor in-place repairs.
- Town may issue notice to repair; owners must comply within the stated timeline.
- Non-response after removal may be considered abandonment; the location may be reassigned.
Fees
- One-time installation fee: $200 per sign (billed upon approval).
- Annual advertising & maintenance fee: $100 per sign (billed upon approval and annually by March 31).
Approvals are issued to the responsible business. The Agreement term renews annually upon receipt of the annual service charge by March 31.
These fees may be subject to change. Please view the Town of Watson Lake Fees and Charges Bylaw for the update prices
Full UVS Policy (PDF)
View or download the complete Urban Visitor Sign Program Policy:
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