Earlier this year the City of Toronto began rolling out some new look street signs. Gone are the familiar acorn signs that we've come to know and love; and in their place are blue and white masterpieces like the Harbord one above.

The new signs were developed with some consultation but not much, or any, input from the public. The results show that clearly some working for our city government are obsessed with delivering on Toronto's international reputation as a clean and sterile place. (See Toronto a La Cart as another recent manifestation of this vision)

Thankfully the new signs have been slow to emerge. I've yet to spot any in all but a few select neighbourhoods. Of course, that hasn't stopped almost 500 non-fans on Facebook from joining the Toronto Acorn Signs Fan Page. Some of the choice comments so far....

Jamie Vernon writes

Anyone in the SIGN business can tell you that dark writing on a WHITE background is easier to read (that's why the acorn signs were designed in the first place) because light reflects back from headlights. The blue background is useless at night because it becomes invisible against the night sky. And with the lettering cast in a narrow font, it will be a blurry mess unless viewed up close.

Deid Vissi writes

This overhaul has all the trappings of some corporate zombie's decision making process. This city is not a shopping mall. It is HOME for millions of people.

John Skaife writes

When the bloodthirsty fatbrained aliens land, they will want to know where they are. They will look at these signs and say, "Toronto. We're in Toronto. The guidebook says this is the city of total wussification. Let's eat!"

Sandy Bennett-Sayer writes

Replacing the acorn signs...seriously....it may seem like an insignificant change in the scheme of things that have come and gone in this city over the years but this change is a historical mistake. Changing the appearance of the street signs to a modernized design is not improvement - it is however an unnecessary cost. Acorn signs enhance this city's distinctive character and historical value that is worth saving! Toronto is losing the quaint pieces of what makes this rapidly growing city attractive and desirable - it seems so simple but the historical value of the Acorn signs is significant and we need to realize that some things are worth keeping!

What do you think about these new signs? Take our poll below:

Photo by JL1967 on Flickr