The Rotary Trail in Westlock could soon become a place where artists in town can display permanent outdoor works.
Council got a look at a proposed painting for a section of the trail at its March 26 meeting, and approved the project.
CAO Darrell Garceau said he had hoped the young artist would be willing to attend the council meeting and explain the project she proposed, but she was not in attendance.
“She wants to, at her own cost, do a section of the trail with a piece of artwork to embellish on the trail with something very similar to what you see this evening,” he said.
Garceau explained this would be similar to what council discussed when the skateboard park in town was built. The discussion at that time was to have artists bring forward work, and then with approval from council they could paint in the park as opposed to just having a free-for-all.
“We didn’t do that, and it was tagged,” he said. “There was some very tasteful art, but we’ve had to cover up some non-tasteful art.”
Councillors raised some concerns about whether allowing art on the trail would simply encourage others to tag the trail with unapproved art.
Garceau said in recent memory, while there has been some unsanctioned artwork there hasn’t been any that required the town to remove it.
Furthermore, he said he doesn’t foresee any artwork interfering with the enjoyment of the trail.
“I think people can still walk, ride, rollerblade and enjoy it,” he said. “This young lady wants to embellish on the trail something that is personal for her and is very tasteful. It’s just a matter of us finding a suitable location.”
The next step is to choose an area where the artwork could be put in. Coun. Marjorie Sterling Miller suggested artwork could be helpful to delineate areas of the trail that are not very well marked, while Coun. Sheila Foley said she would like to see the artwork limited to a specific area of the trail.
Garceau suggested an area that’s well used, like in the northwest corner of town after the trail crosses the railroad tracks as opposed to over by the Old Pickardville Road where it could not as easily be overseen.
“I think the storm pond is an ideal location,” Coun. Darrel Erickson said. “That’s the only place I think you see people strolling around; they’re not exercising they’re just going for a stroll.”
Garceau said he would present the proposal to the Westlock Rotary Club executive as a courtesy, although the ongoing maintenance of the trail is technically the town’s responsibility.
