Canada’s Most Patriotic Village is getting a new mural to commemorate the wars.
Wellington North Council gave its approval for a $2,500 grant to the Arthur Historical Society for a $10,000 mural that will be erected at the cenotaph in the centre of the village. The mural, created by artist Cliff Smith who painted a war mural at the north side of the Sussmans building, is expected to be completed by late September.
The mural has also received the support of the local Chamber of Commerce and Legion branch 226 and is part of revitalization work being done in the business core, which has included 25 hanging banners and concrete planters.
Faye Craig, of the Historical Society and Horticultural Society, was happy council approved the mural grant. She also thanked council for the 10 planters which were made possible with flowers planted by the horticultural society and a soil donation from local company All Treat Farms.
“They (the banners) are all up and they’re very colourful,” Mary Schmidt of Chamber told council at its meeting Aug. 11.
Craig said the temporary planters will moved from the sidewalks in the winter to allow for snow removal.
“In accordance with our local mantra of being Canada’s Most Patriotic Village, we feel it is important to continue showcasing our proud heritage for future generations to experience,” Chamber representatives stated in a letter to council. “The artist commissioned for this particular project has worked on previous murals in our community which are undeniably beautiful and is a member of our local economy. Furthermore, the logistical elements associated with the project) framing and mounting the mural itself) will be overseen by local volunteers with building experience which eliminates a potential expenditure.”
The project has also received support from the Legion.
“We at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 226 are in favour of the mural proposed for the Cenotaph Park in Arthur,” president Ken Engleby stated in a letter. “We, the executive committee are 100 per cent in favour of this being erected there.”
Mayor Ray Tout credited community volunteers with improvements that have been done.
“The planters changed the look of the main street,” he said. “It is nice. It makes the whole main street welcoming.”
