Chemainus, Vancouver Island - Marvelous Murals in Chemainus

The town is an outdoor art gallery.

We had lost the yellow footprints. As my husband and I debated which way to walk, a wizened fellow kindly gave us directions -- down the alley and around the corner to the footprint trail and “some of the best viewing in town.” We were in Chemainus to view its murals and the footprints we had temporarily lost are marked on the pavement as guides. Each time the yellow footprints ended, we looked up to enjoy another of the thirty-three murals Chemainus is famous for.

When the town faced certain economic ruin with the pending downturn of the forestry industry, visionaries began lobbying for revitalization through economic diversification. Propelled forward by a Provincial Downtown Revitalization Grant and necessitated by the closure of the mill in the early 1980s, the mural project was launched. A huge step for a small lumber town falling on hard times. Initially there were many detractors but they are not in evidence today.

Each mural features a part of Chemainus’ varied history. The themes reflect a mill heritage as well as individuals and cultures from the historical tapestry of the town. As we rounded a corner or walked up an alley, our eyes feasted on a steam train, a Chinese store, a logging scene with oxen or a sailing ship.

Big, detailed, and colorful, the murals cover the sides of buildings so you have to stand well back to appreciate them. Many draw you into the scene and you can almost hear the clatter of horse hooves or the scream of a mill whistle.

The majority of the mural artists hail from British Columbia, the rest from across Canada and as far afield as the Bahamas and Louisiana. Animated Connie Greig-Manning, who painted the thirty-first mural “Lumber Barons”, gave me an outline of the artistic process.

Once an artist was selected, the mural committee chose a theme. From the historic photos and information supplied, the artist developed a design, keeping in mind the physical restrictions of the wall such as windows or doors. After the design was approved, the artist had twenty-one days to complete the painting.

When I asked about the project’s effect on tourism, she exclaimed “Phenomenal!” Three hundred to four hundred thousand visitors a year translates into many economic opportunities for businesses.

There are espresso bars, art galleries, ice cream parlors, antique shops, and gift stores for browsing. From the strangers stopping to give directions to the shop keepers and B&B owners, there is a strong sense of civic pride. All seem delighted we have come to visit their town. Given the spirit, vision, and will it took for this community’s transformation, Chemainus deservedly calls itself “The Little Town That Did”.

Access : Chemainus is approximately one hour’s drive north of Victoria, BC

Recommended :

Birdsong B&B, 900 Maple Street, Chemainus (250) 246 9910
The Waterford Restaurant, 9875 Maple Street, Chemainus (250) 246 1046
Virtual Tour of the Murals: www.northcowichan.bc.ca

Author: Karoline Cullen