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Squamish's tale of the missing U

After replacing letter, district officials eye vandal-proof signage options

Hey, Squamish, want to buy a vowel?

District of Squamish operations manager Bob Smith isn't smiling at the thought. Last month, the U in municipality's Squamish entrance sign, beside Highway 99, went missing. And it's not the first time; about six months ago the same thing happened.

It costs the district $250 to replace a letter on the sign, Smith said. In the spring, the district was forced to replace not just the U, but also dished out an additional $100 to paint the letters the same colour. The missing U turned up at city hall a day after the work was completed.

"I am frustrated at spending $250 every time a kid wants a U in their bedroom," Smith said.

District officials aren't the only ones annoyed by the disappearing act. The vacant spot on the sign created a flurry of online activity. Within 48 hours of a Facebook post regarding the lost U, residents had rallied together to replace the U before the rush of southern neighbours passed through town during American Thanksgiving weekend.

Frederick Kaelble saved the day. Auli Parviainen, who unsuccessfully ran for mayor in the Nov. 19 election, took pictures and measurements that she sent to Kaelble. He then siphoned through 1,400 fonts and spent two hours crafting a U on what he called "a hobby machine." The whole process took two days, the owner of Kermode Creations said. Completing the team effort, 2011 council candidate Jeff Cooke placed the U on the signboard.

"I was wondering if I was going to have to get a permit," Kaelble joked, adding that he understands his U is temporary.

But jokes aside, Kaelble wondered aloud why district staff weren't quicker to pick up the ball, given the fact that the sign is the first impression visitors get when entering Squamish.

This time around, district officials wanted to make sure the U wasn't going to magically reappear, Smith said. The correct U is now installed. Looking ahead, the municipality is considering more vandal-proof alternatives, Smith said.

"We are think of painting a 3D-looking version on," he said.

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