The Sesquicentennial Mural located on the north side of the Shopper’s Clothing building on the east side of 2nd Avenue East, adjacent to the Scotia Bank Parkette (851 2nd Avenue East) in Owen Sound, will be decommissioned and work will start on planning for a new piece to enrich the City’s urban core.
The current mural was a 2007 project associated with the City’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. It features over 350 unique photos of Owen Sounders, which were used to create the image of the Canadian $1 bill. The vessels depicted on the $1 bill were the Ancaster and Missinaibi, which were built at the former Russel Brothers factory in Owen Sound. Today the Ancaster is a featured outdoor display at the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre on the City’s western harbourfront.
In 2007, the City and the building owner entered into an agreement that allowed for the placement of the mural. As per the terms of the agreement, the building owner has provided the City notice and requested removal due to wear and deterioration of the mural and frame.
Plans for a redesigned mural will come forward through Community Services Committee later this year, and will include consideration of the Public Art Policy. The City will be working in consultation with the Director and Chief Curator of the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, as well as the River District Board of Management on the new design.
