COBDEN — A new logo is being designed for the Township of Whitewater Region … but at no cost.
Chief Administrative Officer Robert Tremblay advised council at its meeting last night that Syntax Strategic, a design company from Carp, approached him about developing a logo for the municipality.
Councillor Cathy Regier questioned if this would replace the current logo.
“I don’t remember talking about this,” she said.
CAO Tremblay answered, “This was an unsolicited approach.”
He noted the company wants to expand into the Ottawa Valley, and what better way than to provide a pro bono service to a municipality. This redesign of a logo usually costs in the neighbourhood of $5,000 to $8,000. He noted Renfrew and Laurentian Valley recently developed a logo, yet kept their crest.
The current logo, while beautiful and rich and has lots of detail, is more of a crest, he explained.
As people drive around the township, it’s difficult to tell what municipality they are in because it’s small and very detailed, he said.
“In some instances, that crest may not be the most appropriate from a communications standpoint, even from a branding standpoint,” he explained.
While Syntax did not apply for the redesign of the township’s website, CAO Tremblay said they felt they had something to offer the municipality.
CAO Tremblay suggested the logo would be more streamlined, possibly with a focus on the municipality’s name. He said there would be five logos developed followed by ublic consultation. When the final product is determined, council would determine how and when it is to be used.
“This is an opportunity from a branding perspective, because Whitewater Region, the township name, is lost,” he said.
The newly-designed logo would be used for specific purposes versus the crest, he said. While the crest is lovely on a document, but on a map, or for economic development, it might not be, CAO Tremblay said.
He explained that nothing would be changed, but as improving or replacing things, such as signs, the logo may be used.
“Our letterhead is not, if I can be frank, is not the greatest,” CAO Tremblay said. “It needs a bit of an update.”
Depending on the communication tool, a decision would have to be made if the crest or logo would be used, he explained.
“I think the logo is an opportunity, from a branding standpoint, like Whitewater Region, to be more focused on the name,” he added.
CAO Tremblay said this fits into his communication strategy that he will provide to council by year’s end, as to how social media will be used.
Councillor Charlene Jackson, who is the treasurer for Laurentian Valley Township, noted it paid out about $8,000 to get a new logo. She said the new logo has made a difference regarding the municipality’s branding.
“I can’t support this enough,” she said. “I think it’s a worthwhile venture, and certainly at pro bono, it’s even more worthwhile.
“It’s been 16 years since the logo has come out for Whitewater Region, and the letterhead,” she said, adding, “When documents are scanned, it loses the crispness of the logo.
“It’s very important to get our name out there as much as possible and get it done right.”
Coun. Jackson said she would prefer to see only two colours in the logo, making it easier to reproduce on any kind of document or sign.
Council agreed to allow the pro bono work on a new logo.
