Squamish band's billboard plans 'just ugly'

The Squamish First Nation hasunveiled the details of its controversial plan to erect large billboards on its land along the approaches to three Lower Mainland bridges.

The 11-metre-wide signs will stand on steel poles up to 25 metres tall, said the bandat an open house in Vancouver Wednesday night.

Two will go up at the north end of the Lions Gate Bridge, five will be built at the north end of the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Bridge and another six will overlook the south side of the Burrard Bridge.

The band plans to install the billboards by early next year.

Susan Ferguson was one of several people who showed up atthe open house and didn't like what they saw.

"It's just ugly," she said. "Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. I think it is important to take into account how it impacts on the people around you."

The band's Toby Baker says regardless of public opposition, the signs are going to be built to generate income for the band.

"It is really a source of revenue. It is a business opportunity that is available for us to pursue with the condition the lands are in currently. The lands are not in a state that they can be used for mainstream development at this point."

He didn't say how much money the band hoped to make.

He says since the billboards will be on reserve land, municipal and provincial laws don't apply.

The band is required to hold open houses as part of a federal environmental review of the project.