A new collaborative mural project is currently in progress in Renfrew, Ont., inside the town’s Visitor Information Centre. Image courtesy Town of Renfrew
A new collaborative mural project is currently in progress in Renfrew, Ont., inside the town’s Visitor Information Centre.
A joint effort between the community, The Quiet Guiding Company, Milestone Consulting, and artist Jimmy Baptiste, the design includes a variety of ideas and concepts pertaining to Renfrew and its commitment to promoting an inclusive environment. Among the imagery are Indigenous characters, a female hockey player, trilliums, and other flowers in 2SLGBTQ+ colours.
The town held a public session back in January for members of the community to share their ideas. They were also invited to help paint the mural on March 5 and 6.
The cost of the mural will be included as part of grant funding received through Heritage Canada, to undertake the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Project. A three-year plan will also be created to raise awareness about anti-racism, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Once the mural is completed, the town will hold a grand unveiling for members of the community. Council has also directed staff to look at options for renaming the Visitor Information Centre.
“This design showcases the history of Renfrew and our commitment to being an inclusive community,” says Coun. Andrew Dick, chair of the Community Services and Economic Development Committee. “To pay tribute to the history of the town, the mural includes the clock tower downtown, references to the rail, hockey, and lumber industries, and the O’Brien Theatre.”
