The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS) has selected two communities to receive commissioned murals.

The Kitwanga Community Association and Border Town Recycling in Stewart were chosen. A third mural has been proposed near Lakelse Lake. If the final project includes all three murals, the total cost is estimated to be $37,000.

Societies, non-profits, associations and community groups anywhere in the district could send a one-page document to the economic development commission expressing interest in getting a new mural payed for by the regional district.

“We figured in this post-COVID time, it might be nice for communities to have something new and exciting that’s a little bit more refreshing,” said Maggie Hall, RDKS economic development officer.

“We got expressions of interest from five community groups, so that was good.”

Hall said the Kitwanga mural will celebrate the Seven Sisters mountain range, while the Stewart mural will be recycling themed.

She hopes to make a decision on the possible Lakelse Lake mural next month, but said there is no rush because the murals will not be painted until spring or summer 2021 due to the weather anyways. Artists have not been chosen yet.

District staff are applying for a Northern Development Initiative Trust grant of up to $15,000, which would cover a maximum of 50 per cent of the project’s budget. Royal Bank of Canada has donated $5,000.

Hall is looking at other grant opportunities to cover the remaining cost. If those are unsuccessful, the expense will be taken from the economic development budget.

The economic development commission’s strategic plan calls for murals and beautification, which according to Hall have not been done by the district in the last couple years.

READ MORE: The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine is planning to bring colour to communities

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