Powell River Regional Hospital District Board has voted in favour of allowing a mural to be painted on the former St. John Ambulance building in Townsite.
At a meeting on September 30, directors heard a presentation from Margo Peterson regarding the initiative to paint a mural at 5907 Arbutus Avenue, on the building operated by Miklat Recovery Society. Peterson is not a representative of the society but is an advocate for the project.
Peterson said the society feels that this is an interesting building to put a mural on. She said local artist Catnip, who has painted murals on several structures in Powell River, had been contacted about the project.
“We discussed it with him and discussed the kinds of things that would be in the mural,” said Peterson. “The mural would cover the front of the building, the side wall and the tower. We feel it will beautify the building. It will also provide something for the community during this time of COVID-19 and the opioid crisis.
“It’s just a horrible time we’re in right now. This is something the whole community can enjoy.”
Peterson said when Catnip indicated that he was interested in this project, looking for ideas and people to volunteer, the response was phenomenal. She said 120 people responded, willing to donate time, energy and money to the project.
“We have the community behind us,” she added.
Peterson said the mural will reflect feelings of hope for recovery.
Catnip is going to be the lead artist on the project and two other artists will work with him, according to Peterson.
“We’re very excited about it,” she said. “We’re getting a late start so we’re not sure we can get it all done before the weather changes, but we are going to try to do at least one wall. We’d like to start as soon as we can, and the main goal would be to finish the first front wall, and then do the tower and the side wall in the spring.
qathet Regional District Electoral Area E director Andrew Fall said he thinks the mural will make the building much more beautiful than it is right now, and Peterson said she agreed.
Electoral Area A director Patrick Brabazon, who was chairing the hospital board meeting, said he thought that was the general consensus among board members.
Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said he wanted to express his appreciation for the beautiful renditions included as part of the agenda package.
“It’s absolutely incredible,” said Gisborne. “I don’t see how anyone could complain about the mural.”
Electoral Area D director Sandy McCormick said she thinks this may start a whole new trend with positive murals.
City of Powell River director CaroleAnn Leishman said she wanted to thank Miklat Recovery Society for thinking outside the box and that she was excited to see the mural.
“I’m happy to support this,” she added.
The hospital board voted unanimously in favour of the mural. Conditions include Miklat Recovery Society ensuring it is in compliance with City of Powell River land-use bylaws and that all costs be borne by the society.
