By Joel van der Veen

DUNDURN — A proofreading error in a highly visible place has resulted in some red faces at the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure.

A sign installed this summer along the southbound lanes of Highway 11, directing drivers to the Canadian Forces Detachment at Dundurn, will be corrected after a misspelling on the sign was brought to the ministry’s attention.

“This is obviously a unique situation and somewhat embarrassing,” said Steve Shaheen, a communications consultant with the ministry.

Shaheen said that the contractor responsible for making the signs misspelled the name “Dundurn” as “Dundrun,” adding that the error went unnoticed by the road crew that installed the sign.

“Shortly after the sign was erected, we received a call about it and have been working to get it fixed,” he said, adding, “This should be done soon.”

Shaheen said that the contractor agreed to correct the sign at no additional charge to the ministry.

Another sign along the northbound side of the highway is largely identical, except with the guiding arrow pointed left instead of right. It does not contain the spelling error.

Shaheen noted that the ministry is responsible for a vast number of signs across the province, which must be replaced from time to time.

This can be due to intentional damage, such as vandalism; accidental damage, such as when signs are struck in auto collisions; or simply because of wear and tear.

Shaheen also said it is extremely rare for a misspelled traffic sign to be installed before the error is caught.

An unidentified Canadian Armed Forces member who answered the phone at CFAD Dundurn on Wednesday laughed when told of the error.

He said he had not yet seen the misspelled sign but added, “I imagine somebody has mentioned it.”

(Update: Shaheen contacted the Leader on Monday to say he was informed that the sign has now been corrected.)