Halifax: The Blade Sign Capital Of Canada?
Blade signs are ones that hang out from the side of the building. They are great for pedestrians as you can not only see them above the heads of the other pedestrians on the street. And you can also see them halfway down the block.
This is my nomination for the best blade sign in Halifax.
How many blade signs can you count on this block?
Blade Signs Are The Best
They are much better than signs that are flush with the facade of the building, as you have to stand in the street to see them.
And, they are also better than those annoying sandwich boards some merchants place in the middle of the sidewalk so you have to dodge around them and sometimes fall over them while you are checking Google Maps to see if you are close to the &(*HO^!@^ the store, cafe or restaurants you are looking for
One of the first things I noticed was the abundance of blade signs and not just any blade signs but fun, quirky, custom-designed ones.
Here is a sample. You tell me, aren’t these the best collection of blade signs you have ever seen?
The blade sign was good but the GIG Street sign was a stroke of genius.
Super Mike’s is definitely off the beaten path, but that didn’t stop him from having perhaps the best blade sign…definitely had the most colourful facade.
The donair is Halifax’s official food and the King of Donair on Quinpool is where it all started in 1973. The King is expanding into Western Canada as you read this….
Woozles is a children’s bookstore…what a great name…love the yellow house too.
I was told this is the oldest hobby/craft store in Canada. The sign could be original.
We not only loved this blade sign, but the sandwiches, soup, dessert and breads inside were to die for.
This Highwayman sign looked like a woodblock etching ready for inking and printing. The restaurant inside looked just as intriguing. Would make a great t-shirt.
This place is almost as old as me….
Even Tim Hortons has a blade sign…..
Last Word
So what do you think? Do you think blade signs should be mandatory for all shops along the street? I do!
Not only are they a great wayfinding tool, but they add colour, charm and character to the pedestrian experience. I am thinking in Calgary, 17th Ave SW, 4th Street SW, Kensington and Inglewood would all benefit from a fun blade sign program.
I know there are lots of great blade signs in other cities, but as a collection, I think Halifax has the best I have seen to date.