Anyone driving through Diamond Valley will likely notice some new eye-catching signage.
Commissioned by the Town and designed by local business Sabretooth Graffix, the signs highlight the scenic beauty of the Foothills while acknowledging the pre-amalgamation history of Black Diamond and Turner Valley.
Four signs have been installed: three at the highway entrances into Diamond Valley, and one outside the Town's municipal office.
"I think they've done an outstanding job with what they've supplied," said Mayor Barry Crane. "What I really like is the notation of Turner Valley's incorporation, of Black Diamond's incorporation, and the dates at the bottom corners of the sign for that historical perspective."
The signs display the incorporation dates of Black Diamond, Turner Valley and Diamond Valley: 1929, 1930 and 2023, respectively.
"The vibrancy of colours, is what catches the eye for me," continued Crane. "It just adds that true, realistic feel of where you're at in Alberta."
The project initially had a budget of $80,000, but ultimately cost around $25,000.
Crane is happy with the outcome, but the signs have proven to be somewhat controversial among Diamond Valley residents, who have taken to social media to voice their opinions. Well over 100 comments on a popular Diamond Valley Facebook page show a wide variety of opinions.
"No character, no representation of a country town..... disappointed," reads one comment.
"Looks cheap not sure how much that cost the taxpayers," reads another comment.
"Up goes our property taxes again
," reads another.
Some comments provided more constructive feedback.
"I think they look nice. I feel the remaining funds that weren't utilized are better spent allocated elsewhere. They're 'nice enough' without blowing the whole budget," reads one comment.
"Pretty basic, but thankfully not as plain as the red and white Calgary signs. They do not look like they’re worth more than $5k, maybe $10k though," reads another.
"I think they look really great. I love the clean design and the colours. I haven’t noticed them at night, maybe a solar spot lighting would be a helpful addition at some point," reads another comment.
Crane is unfazed by any negative feedback on social media.
"I've turned over a new leaf for 2025 and I'm not going to buy into the social media negativity anymore, and it's probably the healthiest two weeks I've had in a long time," he said.
"Social media is going to do the ups and the downs, the back and forth, and you're never gonna make everyone happy," he continued. "But I think we've made 99 per cent of the population happy. Those few that don't like it, well, there's not much they're going to like anyway... you can never make everyone happy, but you can do your best, and I think that's what we've accomplished here with these signs, both financially and aesthetically."
