Oak Bay council OK’d a proposal from the Vancouver Island School of Art – in partnership with Oak Bay Parks and Recreation – to create a mural on the public works retaining wall that overlooks the Oak Bay High running track. Council approved it in principle to allow VISA to apply for funding.
VISA administrator Wendy Welch has experience leading public mural projects and would provide guidance and specifications to create a mural envisioned to reflect the nature of Bowker Creek.
Artists would submit works to be part of the project. Submissions would be accepted from Oak Bay residents, high school and VISA artists to be adjudicated.
The costs for the project, including the building base paint, mural art paint, anti-graffiti coating and artist honorariums, is estimated at $10,000. An estimated $3,200 would be for public works to paint the waIl and would come from Oak Bay annual operating funds. The remainder of the funds would be sought by VISA through applicable arts grants for which VISA is eligible to apply.
“This is something that has been in the works for a long time,” said Coun. Hazel Braithwaite, adding it goes beyond Jensen’s first term as mayor back to longtime mayor Christopher Causton.
Zhelka joins CREST
Coun. Eric Zhelka replaces Mayor Nils Jensen as Oak Bay director for the board of CREST (Capital Region Emergency Service Telecommunications) to avoid any perception of conflict.
“At the CRD there’s money going from the CRD to CREST,” explained Jensen, who serves as chair of the Capital Regional District board.
Coun. Kevin Murdoch will serve as alternate representative.
Spring brings new staffer
A new superintendent of public works starts March 16 in Oak Bay.
David Brozuk will come from Vermilion, Alta. where he is the current director of transportation and utilities for that town. Prior to that he worked for the Ministry of Transportation and the forest industry.
“David has extensive experience in water, sewer, storm drainage, road works, budgeting, planning and estimating in an area that has experienced unprecedented growth,” Mayor Nils Jensen said during the announcement Feb. 10. Brozuk also has experience in fleet management, sidewalk and trail development and recycle operations.
Tea Party funds approved
The three-day Oak Bay Tea Party is on track with council approving a $7,000 grant.
The $5,500 grant and $1,500 for stage rental were already in the 2015 provisional budget. Council approved rides to run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Friday (June 5) which also helps fund the popular annual event.
cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com