Billboards could pop up at bridges

Billboards could soon start showing up on Squamish First Nation land on the approaches to several Lower Mainland bridges.

The band owns land near the Lions Gate, Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows and Burrard Street bridges, and is going ahead with plans to erect signs.

Municipalities have bylaws to prevent freestanding billboards along roads and highways. But they don't apply to First Nations land.

City of North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Mussatto told CBC Radio on Monday he isn't in favour of the billboards, but is reserving judgment until he meets with Squamish First Nation officials.

"I'm not a big fan of billboards. I've said that before. I think they're unsightly. And I don't think they add to the community," he told The Early Edition's Rick Cluff.

"However, I haven't seen their proposals, their plans, so it might be unfair for me to start making judgment until I've actually discussed it with them, and see what's being proposed."

Mussatto said that meeting will happen later this week.

• INTERVIEW: The Early Edition's Rick Cluff speaks with City of North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Mussatto about the billboards.