The Squamish Nation is rushing to capitalize on the 2010 Winter Olympics, says an opponent of the band's billboard plan.
"These are prime sites, no question," said Citizens for Responsible Outdoor Advertising's Wayne Hunter. "Even in the context of a market that is saturated to the point where VANOC can't sell billboards, if these go ahead they will be sold."
Squamish senior operating officer Toby Baker said the North Vancouver-based First Nation got the federal nod to erect six LED screens on reserve land near roads and bridges in Vancouver, the North Shore and Squamish. If chiefs and council approve, a private company could erect and operate the three-metre by nine-metre signs by Christmas.
In 2006, the Squamish Nation proposed 13 billboards, but neighbouring municipalities were opposed for environmental reasons.
Hunter said the federal government "completely ignored" evidence that billboards near roads and bridges distract drivers and cause crashes. CROA reactivated its threat to boycott advertisers and is mulling a court challenge.
"This approval by stealth is just unacceptable," Hunter said.
Vancouver Public Space Network's Stephanie Doerksen said the billboard planned for the Kitsilano side of the Burrard Bridge violates existing Vancouver laws that are already poorly enforced.
Baker's boss Chief Gibby Jacob is a member of the VANOC board. The Squamish Nation has the most clout among the Four Host First Nations.
