How an Annapolis Valley man is working to ensure civic signs are visible on every property

Adrian Johnstone couldn't help but notice the number of homes without visible civic signs as he and other volunteer firefighters delivered letters from Santa around the Annapolis Valley last winter.

"It was quite concerning thinking that we were going there for non-emergency business [but] what if there is an emergency?" Johnstone said.

This left Johnstone, who is a 911 operator and volunteers at the Waterville and District Volunteer Fire Department, feeling uneasy. 

In Nova Scotia, the blue reflective signs are meant to display a civic address number so emergency responders — fire crews, police and paramedics — can find properties quickly.

"It literally could be the difference between life and death," Johstone said. "Like that is just ultimately the reality of it."

The lack of visible signs prompted Johnstone to team up with emergency agencies to educate the public about the importance of having a civic sign. He uses his popular Facebook page, The Valley Eye Photography, to get his message out. 

Johnstone has also drafted a letter to the towns of Kentville, Wolfville and Berwick, and to the Municipality of the County of Kings, asking for support in sharing his message with every resident.

"I can only go so far with Facebook and at the end of the day, it's their responsibility to educate our communities," he said.

He said a couple of municipal councillors have responded and expressed interest in funding a project that would have civic signs paid for by the municipality. 

Wolfville Mayor Jodi MacKay says the town is working diligently to educate residents on this matter by having compliance officers deliver letters to all residents to remind them to keep their signs visible.

She said residents have been receptive to bringing civic signs to the forefront of their minds because it can often be forgotten.

"I'll be honest, I didn't have one either until I was informed that I should have one. You don't think about it until you need it and then it's unfortunate if you don't have it," said MacKay. 

In February, Johnstone canvassed more than 4,700 homes and commercial properties in three counties, including Kings, West Hants and Annapolis County, and estimated that about 62 per cent of those properties didn't have civic signs properly displayed. 

"Technology only goes so far, especially with very poor cell phone coverage. The signs are the most reliable resource to help locate an address," said Johnstone. 

MacKay said efforts are gaining traction in Wolfville, adding that it's even more important after the 2023 wildfires and the deadly flash floods that killed a 13-year-old boy in the area. 

"We've had tragedy here in town, so we want to make sure everybody has those numbers, so our first responders can find you when they need to," said MacKay.