The proposed mural for the north wall of the building at 3301 30th Ave (image courtesy of the City of Vernon)

By Liam Verster

Fox...or coyote?

Change suggested for downtown Vernon mural

Jun 13, 2023 | 5:00 PM

Vernon council likes the idea of a new downtown mural, but is suggesting a change to its content.

At its meeting Monday, June 12, council was presented with a plan for a mural featuring local fauna, a sunset, and a red fox for the entire north wall of the building at 3301 30th Ave. That’s the backside of the Service Canada building, owned by Welbec Properties.

The proposed mural for the north side of the building located at 3301 30th Ave. (image courtesy of the City of Vernon)

The mural on the wall facing an empty lot on 31st Ave. is intended to have a theme of local wildlife and beauty in the region. It was designed by artists Lacey Jane and Layla Folkmann.

However, the content sparked some discussion at Monday’s meeting.

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Councillor Akbal Mund stated red foxes are not very common to the area, which Councillor Teresa Durning agreed with and suggested another, more locally known, animal be chosen for the mural.

Councillor Kelly Fehr said, while he doesn’t like the image, he does believe people should be able to put what they want on their buildings.

Councillor Brian Guy suggested the fox be changed to a coyote.

“Partly because coyotes are much more common around here, but also because a coyote is a foundational, fundamental part of the creation stories of the Syilx people in the Okanagan,” Guy said during the meeting.

Council then voted in favour of approving the installation of a mural on the building, but needed further discussion on the image itself.

Durning put forward a motion to suggest the fox be changed to a coyote, or other local wildlife, linked to the Syilx culture. Guy seconded the motion.

Fehr again stated if this was what the owner decided they wanted on the building, he would not want to interfere.

Councillor Kari Gares noted foxes live throughout B.C. and she didn’t see anything wrong with the mural, saying the bright, bold and vibrant image would be an improvement on the existing grey wall.

The motion to suggest a change to the image was put to a vote and passed, with Fehr and Gares in opposition.

That motion is non-binding, and the property owner could proceed with the original plan should they wish.

The Downtown Vernon Association had previously expressed support for the mural in a letter to the property owner, which was shared with city council.

The city and the DVA will work on annual maintenance on this and other murals in Vernon. As per the Mural Maintenance Agreement, the DVA will commit up to $5,000 per budget year for that work and the city will match or exceed that contribution.

The DVA is tasked with inspecting murals and reporting any deficiencies, while the city is in charge of minor repairs such as cleaning, sealing and graffiti removal. Major maintenance and repairs to murals are managed by the DVA in consultation with the property owner.