MOOSE JAW — A Venezuelan-born artist who grew up in Willow Bunch has expressed interest in painting a multicultural-themed mural under one of Moose Jaw’s bridges in Wakamow Valley.
Stephanie Bellefleur contacted city hall in March about a potential art project under the Snowbirds Expressway Underpass — which connects to Highway 2 south — adjacent to Wakamow Valley.
In her letter, she said that area is heavily tagged with graffiti, many pedestrians walk past and the location is a great entry point into the city from the south. She added that she could commence her project next spring and have it finished by the summer.
The public art committee reviewed Bellefleur’s proposal during its recent meeting, with city administration saying she proposed a similar project in 2022. However, the committee decided not to proceed at that time.
Coun. Heather Eby told committee members that the group agreed two years ago that the Snowbirds/Highway 2 underpass was a great location for a mural. However, they didn’t feel they could offer the project as a sole source contract and should go through a tendering process.
“And I actually just walked under that overpass the other day … and it is really disgusting,” she continued. “And it would be really lovely to have something there, but I don’t know if it’s our main spot we want to do something.”
Eby noted that the committee has the power to find locations for new murals. However, she questioned whether the committee should spend $20,000 on a mural at that location, while she suggested students from could create a less expensive artwork instead.
“There’s a lot of pigeon poop under there,” she laughed. “It’s not a very nice spot.”
Members discussed asking Bellefleur to submit a design and a budget, which would allow them to more fully consider the project. However, they also acknowledged that they would not be following proper tendering processes if they did that.
Administration told the committee that Canadian National Railway owns the top of the underpass, while the city owns the road structure underneath. This creates a “grey area” that would require the city to consult with the national company since the structure is not fully city-owned.
Administration should inform Bellefleur that the committee is working on other projects and is unsure whether it has the time or money for her project, said committee chairwoman Yvette Moore. Also, the committee must find out who owns what parts of the underpass structure, otherwise, it won’t be able to proceed legally.
The committee then voted to receive and file Bellefleur’s proposal, essentially putting the idea on hold.
Manitoba Street mural
Meanwhile, the committee agreed to give $6,000 to the to support a mural project on the Manitoba Street Expressway concrete barrier, with community artist Carly Jaye Smith to create the artwork.
The money will support pressure washing, priming the wall and applying an anti-vandalism sealant once the project is completed.
Members agreed that this was a great project and that Smith’s design was excellent.
