Pitt Meadows Council gave initial approval for a huge mural on the front of the Pitt Meadows Arena Complex.
The mural will be the height of the building, approximately 40 metres long, and will be on the theme 100 years of sports in Pitt Meadows.
Local artist Brad Dinwoodie, whose work can already be found at the Pitt Meadows Fire Hall, Pitt Meadows secondary, Samuel Robertson Technical and other schools in the district will offer the mural at no cost to the city. After getting council’s approval for the work, he will seek corporate sponsors, whose support will be noted in a tribute on the building.
The only cost to council, said Dinwoodie, will be spraying the mural with a protective coat every two years, at a cost of approximately $500.
Dinwoodie noted that although his conception piece presented to council was in black and white, his intention is that the mural be full colour.
It will include the likeness of Brendan Morrison, and Dinwoodie has obtained permission from the Vancouver Canucks to paint their logo on the building.
He estimated the work will take six weeks or more to complete, and would be worth approximately $90,000 if the work were commissioned. He will offer if for free as a gift to his hometown.
“I enjoy doing the murals because they’re larger than life, and it’s giving back to the community,” he said.
“I think it looks awesome,” noted Coun. Janis Elkerton, and advised council to take the rare opportunity.
Coun. David Murray also spoke in favour, calling it a great concept. The longtime high school basketball coach said many visitors to the Pitt Meadows secondary gymnasium would comment on the quality of the artwork.
Council approved a recommendation from director of parks and facilities David Boag that staff review the mural and report back to council.
Dinwoodie hopes to begin his work in August.