TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL COUNCIL REPORT: HELMCKEN ROAD TRESTLE – MURAL DESIGN SELECTION

HELMCKEN ROAD TRESTLE – MURAL DESIGN SELECTION

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the mural design submitted by Jesse Campbell in response to the “Call to Artists” issued June 26, 2023 be selected for the public art acquisition mural project for the Helmcken Road trestle (N-093).

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

To provide a recommendation on which the public art acquisition mural project for the Helmcken Road trestle can proceed.

BACKGROUND:

After online public engagement for mural themes during May 2023 – where 771 responses were received – Council made the following motion at its June 6, 2023 meeting based on the input received showing “trees/forest” as receiving the highest number of first choice votes from amongst the nine options provided:

THAT the mural theme of trees/forest be the basis of the call to artists for the public art acquisition mural project (N-093). (C-75-23)

DISCUSSION:

Accordingly, this theme was included in the call to artists issued June 26, 2023 – available not only on the Town’s website, but also through the BC Arts Alliance, the ArtsVictoria.ca website and forwarded to the City of Victoria Mural Roster artists as well as a number of other similar organizations.

The call to artists closed on July 10, 2023 and nine proposals were received by the submission deadline.

Out of the nine proposals received, five proposals were ranked and met the mural evaluation criteria. The criteria included background experience, quality of work, adherence to the theme, artistic merit, objectives, safety, certifications, and longevity/suitability. Out of the five proposals that met the evaluation, two of the artists did not meet purchasing policy, safety and/or maintenance requirements, leaving three qualified proposals (see Attachment “A”) from:

• Jesse Campbell – 60 points
• Collin Elder – 58 points
• Jean Bradbury – 57 points

During the week of July 10, the arts consultant retained to assist with this project worked closely with staff to review the submissions and to ensure they were considered by the RCMP and ICBC – from the lens of safety. The Island Corridor Foundation, as a condition of their project support for painting on their train trestle, reviewed the submissions. Finally, in keeping with the Town’s Public Art Policy #0100-053, the Community Development Advisory Committee held a special meeting to review the submissions and bring their local knowledge and community perspective to the process.

The following summarizes the input received:

RCMP: In speaking with the RCMP they did not have concerns with Jesse Campbell or Collin Elder’s submissions as they were comparable. Regarding Jesse Campbell’s submission, it was suggested the train be moved to the northwest side of the trestle wall to mitigate sight conflicts from oncoming traffic. It was deemed that Jean Bradbury’s proposal was too distracting for drivers.

ICBC: Generally, ICBC provided the following commentary on the potential murals:

• Avoid using glossy anti-graffiti coatings to reduce reflectivity of head lights at night;
• Add an additional “crosswalk ahead” warning sign for the northbound approach;
• For areas near the crosswalk, the artists have (1) demonstrated a simple palette to mitigate camouflaging, and (2) used a lighter colour to help enhance the contrast with pedestrians, especially beneficial in short days of winter when pedestrians may be present during dark periods.

Regarding Jesse Campbell and Collin Elder’s submissions, these proposed murals incorporate pedestrian safety considerations into the design including colour palettes that avoid distracting cyclists and motorists. For Jesse Campbell’s submission, it was also suggested that the train be moved to the northwest side of the trestle wall in order to mitigate potential sight conflicts.

Island Corridor Foundation: the preference was for Jesse Campbell’s proposed mural design as it shows a train which is indicative of the corridor, however, the Island Corridor Foundation agreed that, in order to mitigate potential sight conflicts, the train be moved to the northwest side of the trestle wall. There was concern that Jean Bradbury’s proposal could be an issue with maintenance and safety.

Community Development Advisory Committee: discussion items included the importance of visual contrast and simplicity to maintain pedestrian safety; concerns with upkeep, maintenance and sun damage; trains being a potentially divisive issue for the community; preference for art showcasing First Nations themes and style; and less “literal” submissions which evoke a feeling of community togetherness. Support given for both Jesse Campbell and Collin Elder’s submissions, with a preference for Collin Elder’s submission. Jean Bradbury’s proposal was deemed problematic for pedestrian visibility and maintenance impacts.

CONCLUSION:

Once Council makes its decision on the mural design, this project is ready to progress to the next step which will see the mural painted during August/first several days of September.

Staff have contacted View Royal Elementary School with a view to coordinating a small event to mark completion of the mural with an already planned school event sometime in the early weeks of the upcoming school year.

Based on the consultant’s evaluation of the three proposals, as well as the safety items being addressed, Jesse Campbell’s submission was rated the highest. However, Collin Elder’s submission was also closely rated.

Should Council wish to choose a different artist, comments from the RCMP, ICBC, Island Corridor Foundation and the Community Development Advisory Committee should be considered.

TIME CRITICAL:

This project is time-sensitive due to several factors including the weather window and a desire to see it complete prior to the start of the school year. The selection of the mural design will advance this project.

ALTERNATIVE:

Council could choose to have the mural design issued to another artist of their choice. Staff do not recommend Jean Bradbury’s submission due to potential safety concerns as described above.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the mural design submitted by Jesse Campbell in response to the “Call to Artists” issued June 26, 2023 be selected for the public art acquisition mural project for the Helmcken Road trestle (N-093).