The mundane green-grey electrical boxes in downtown Squamish should soon be more aesthetically pleasing now that theyre slated to become part of a downtown art project.
During the Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday (Feb. 15), staff explained that council had two options for beautifying electrical boxes and bear-proof garbage bins painting them or wrapping them with artwork.
Staff told council members that if they preferred the painting option, the Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA) and Squamish Arts Council (SAC) were keen to be involved and most council members leaned in that direction.
I like the idea of having them painted instead of wrapped and I think its a start to a more progressive public artwork outlook downtown, said Coun. Patricia Heintzman.
Coun. Doug Race said he liked the idea of painting the boxes, but was concerned about the cost incurred if someone were to scrawl graffiti on the painting.
If someone graffitis a painted wrap, you could replace the wrap, but if someone graffitis a painted box, doesnt it have to be re-painted? he asked staff.
Corporate services general manager Robin Arthurs explained that the removal liquid provided by B.C. Hydro doesnt remove regular paint, only spray paint.
Coun. Rob Kirkman supported the idea in theory but worried that going ahead with bits and pieces of artwork downtown without having an overarching policy might be detrimental.
We talked about having more of a focus on public art and developing a policy and Im in favour of that, he said. But Im a little reluctant to just focus on this without looking at it in the broader sense.
Kirkham was also skeptical about how non-natural colours would blend into the streetscape.
I wish we didnt have all the garbage cans and electrical boxes there, but because of their neutral colours, they seem to fade into the background, he said.
Im kind of concerned that painting them all will create eye litter because of the collage of contrasting unnatural colours.
Coun. Bryan Raiser suggested starting small as a compromise.
Im in favour of starting small with a box here and there, he said. I think its a great way to bring vibrancy into the downtown.
The report presented by Arthurs pegged the price of wrapping electrical boxes at between $945 and $1,600 each and bear-proof garbage bins at between $495 and $655 each.
In the report, staff said painting was another, less expensive option that would require further investigation to pinpoint a price.
Mayor Greg Gardner was the first to contemplate a motion.
I would like to address staff to inquire with the arts council for a limited painting program for a limited number of hydro boxes, he said. Im not so interested in spending $1,000 per box to wrap them.
Heintzman suggested maybe one or two of the high-profile electrical boxes would be a good place to start.
We need a more holistic approach to start with artwork in the downtown, she said. Its a good way to get people thinking about public art.
Council recommended staff work on a proposal to paint the 10 hydro boxes in the downtown core. The proposal would include locations and costs. The proposal will be included in the 2011 budget discussions
Districts beaver consultant choice criticized
Local environmentalist John Buchanan came to the podium to emphasize concerns addressed in a letter to council and criticize their response.
During Tuesday (Feb. 14)s council meeting, council received a letter from Carmina Gooch of the Rabbit Advocacy Group of B.C., criticizing the districts inhumane plans to cull the Squamish beaver population using Conibear traps.
In one study, which evaluated Conibear efficiency, only 15 per cent of the strikes might have been instant kills. Forty per cent of the animals were held in positions that probably caused extreme pain, she wrote in her letter. The study concluded that unless the animal is small or is struck on the skull or neck, this trap does not kill instantly. In fact, it can take up to 15 minutes for an animal to run out of oxygen and drown
She said there were several more humane ways to deal with the beaver population and criticized the District of Squamish for not installing Beaver Stops (wire fit over culverts to keep beavers out) in 1989.
However, Goochs main concern was the districts decision to hire EBB Environmental Consulting, whose culling methods came under fire when the firm was hired to cull about 2,000 rabbits in Kelowna in May 2008.
At the time, CBC News reported that police were investigating allegations against EBB for allegedly stomping a rabbit to death after shooting it.
Councils response was to send Gooch the report presented by EBB biologist Oliver Busby.
At the podium, Buchanan said sending the report was insufficient and he shared the same concern as Gooch.
Im curious why you hired this particular company, who has such a negative history, he said.
You should explain that to me and provide the response to Mrs. Gooch.
Gardner asked chief administrative officer Kevin Ramsay to respond.
He is a registered professional biologist with good credentials, Ramsay said. He is considered the best in the province for beaver culling and was recommended to us by DFP [Department of Fisheries and Oceans].
