City council has backed down from their request to approve any new mural on McBride.
Proponents of the Paint Prince Rupert program were seeking approval to paint over the existing marine mural between 8th Ave. East and 9th Ave. East to kick off the new season of painting. When the idea first came to council on April 22, council said they would like to approve the design and would only give the go ahead if the Ministry of Transportation and Prince Rupert Community Arts Council said they were okay with it.
Chief financial officer Dan Rodin told council on May 13 that neither group raised a concern and recommended council approve the mural sight-unseen.
"I guess we're approving a surprise. I would like to see what it looks like before it goes up, but I'm okay with surprises too," said Councillor Gina Garon.
"My understanding is the mural was first painted by some kids from the Arts Council. My thinking is those kids are now grown up adults and are probably ok with the mural being painted over," said Councillor Jennifer Rice.
The mural comes at no cost to the City, but Rodin said that may change as the years go by.
"Our agreement with the Ministry of Transportation is for minor maintenance," he said, noting that the existing mural has lasted for decades but the City would have to cover any touch-ups on the new
artwork.
"Hopefully this will last as long and there will be another budding artist 20 years from now who will look at what is there and bring the idea for another surprise to council."