Tunnel Mural Project Ready to Go

Thursday, June 04, 2009 03:59 AM

Prince George, BC–

The pedestrian tunnel under Highway 16 East is part of the larger Heritage River Trail system. Since the tunnel was opened in October 2007 it has been plagued by graffiti on the inside walls. Prince George Community Policing is spearheading a mural project in the pedestrian tunnel that will add a vibrant community component.wanted to give something positive to the youth in the community and feels the mural project is that opportunity "We have an enthusiastic group of students working with us on the project. We’ve received great community support from our major sponsors: New Look Interiors and Benjamin Moore who are providing eco-friendly paint, Regional Security who are roviding overnight security, and the Northern Hardware who are providing other supplies for the project.”

During the next week, the students will be painting a mural in the tunnel, covering over the existing graffiti. Prince George Community Policing is hoping that these students will see this as a positive step in helping to make a difference in the community.

In many municipalities, the addition of public art acts as a catalyst for improvements in other areas.

An example of public art that has been a positive addition to the community is the mural onthe Connaught Youth Centre.

Cst. Anne MacInnis, NCO/ic of Prince George Community Policing, says she is looking forward to the project and the positive aspects for youth. "Crime prevention energies on making sure that there is a positive focus for youth in the community. This shows everyone that these young people are taking charge and making a difference – and we need to celebrate those successes.”

Linda Parker, Community Policing Coordinator, says Community Policing

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Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 03:59 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: PG GIRL 2 on June 4 2009 6:39 AM

WHAT? So funny...who was the brainiac to think of this one??? So these people actually think by doing a nice version of graffiti that it will stop the black and red spray can artists from rearing their ugly heads? Lets remember it's an underground tunnel in the darkest areas of town. Unless you put security on either end of that walkway...it will be wrecked within a week. Sad.

Posted by: jonnypg on June 4 2009 6:52 AM

So true PG GIRL 2!

Posted by: taxinapothole on June 4 2009 7:39 AM

The tunnel was a waste of nearly $1,000,000.00! Just another example of the Government of Prince George, having their priorities really screwed up!

They are like mice on a wheel cage, nothing ever changes, they just go round and round and round!

Posted by: Becca on June 4 2009 7:48 AM

I agree, the tunnel is a bad idea. Should have been a totally protected walkway/bridge over top of the highway. But getting the youth to use their talents with graffiti in the tunnel is a good one if....

The police team up to make this project work.

The police target high risk youth (giving them a positive experience with police, attention for a positive behaviour and less likely to be covered by whom...these kinds of kids!)

The youth choose the art - not just a mural but lots of different pieces that is on the edge within limits

Then you get Rick Mercer to do his rant in the tunnel!! (okay just a little crazy of an idea but~)

Posted by: Becca on June 4 2009 7:50 AM

Sorry my point about high risk youth is based on the typically picked model youth leaders in nice schools who are doing well. They don't need the encouragement like the youth who live in this area!

Posted by: nu2PG on June 4 2009 8:18 AM

Hi I'm new here where is this tunnel?

Posted by: saywhat on June 4 2009 9:25 AM

it's under hiway 16 just across from Hyundai dealer,leading into the so called "Hood".

Posted by: gold_rush on June 4 2009 10:16 AM

I saw some kids doing graffiti right on "Blue Rock" (1st ave & foothills) in broad daylight. But didnt know if it was illegal because they were painting on a rock. Should of took some pics.

Posted by: diplomat on June 4 2009 11:23 AM

"...it's under hiway 16 just across from Hyundai dealer..."

It's kept out of sight under the highway for a good reason: To hide the fact that the City was too stupid to insist on getting a proper roofed over and glassed in pedestrian overpass instead of this dangy and murky (often flooded!) horizontal mine shaft!

Posted by: He spoke on June 4 2009 11:37 AM

a walk over would never work. the kids would want to throw things onto the traffic. Glass or plexiglass mean cleaning costs. The tunnel was the right idea. I do believe a substantial amount of the work was paid by highways.

I think it is great that they want to have artwork, Thus, then all the spray can enthusiast can have their input. Thus they will then not spray over it so readily, as they want to perserve their signature.

Every 7 years, we get new art work.

Posted by: lmorge on June 4 2009 12:12 PM

Its a nice concept, but what good is it when it is out of view in a tunnel?
For asthetic reasons I think the tunnel is better than a pedestrian overpass but the problems associated with it and the criminal element poses problems. In all , this project is just a way for the community policing section to justify their existence. Get out on the road and do some policework. No more huggy huggy kissy kissy policing.

Posted by: Loki on June 4 2009 1:06 PM

A suggestion:
Arrange for the graffiti artists to install a much better quality work.
The mural on 5th avenue on the lock and key building was done by known graffiti artists.
This gives them input into their own area, as was mentioned before it becomes an inclusive process for which they would be less likely to paint over or otherwise deface their own work, they would discourage others from the same defacing, and it could be an opportunity to show their good quality work.

Most of these spray can artist are actually quite good artists in their own right.

Every spring pressure wash or white wash the previous years work so they can update the images to the current style as they please.

If an authority body simply removed the graffiti by whitewash or pressure washing, they graffiti would return and they deface what they did not apply.

Cost: some paint and an organizing committee.

Posted by: BCRacer on June 4 2009 1:20 PM

They talked this up before...were originally going to work with, if I remember right street kids to do this, now it changes, so,In my opinion they are pulling a great scam on the city....not to mention probably a total waste of time and money.....but it figures....a "pat myself on the back and make me feel good", moment I suppose

Posted by: He spoke on June 4 2009 3:47 PM

Some graffiti is no different than a dog marking his teritory. While other graffiti is impressive.

Posted by: diplomat on June 4 2009 4:40 PM

Pedestrian overpasses are in use all over the world, successfully.

Too bad pictures can't be posted here.

Strange that in this town some people believe that they don't work...

They do indeed work, but if they wouldn't work here that would say a lot about this town.

Of course, anything can be trashed by thugs who are determined enough to do damage just for some weird gratification.

Posted by: Palopu on June 4 2009 8:27 PM

After the tunnel was built the City put in lights a few blocks North, by Northland Chrysler. They could have just as easily put in walk lights, and there would be no need for a tunnel. Why didnts they????

They didnt do it because they got a matching grant from the |BC Government for improvements to the trail system. The money could not be used for stop lights, and walk lights, so they took the money and built the tunnel

As usual the project was built for all the wrong reasons. |As long as we are getting matching funds from the Prov and Feds, we are going to get stupid projects, because City hall seems incapable of turning down funds.

Posted by: diplomat on June 4 2009 9:49 PM

Are you saying that a pedestrian tunnel connecting to a trail system qualified for a grant and a pedestrian overpass connecting to the same trail system would not have met the grant criteria?

Posted by: Harbinger on June 5 2009 2:12 PM

Officially sanctioned graffiti, eh? Well that's nice.