Province grants city $150K for murals and beautification

$150,000 is going to be spent on two murals in the city, as well as some Canada 150 backdrops at city parks. Downtown businesses can also get funding for beautification projects.

As part of the fund created for Canada’s 150th birthday, Miramichi will be getting $150,000 to spruce up its downtowns with murals, beautification projects, and 150th birthday selfie backdrops.  The announcement was made at City Hall on Monday, June 19th by Bill Fraser, Miramichi MLA and DTI Minister.  Fraser explained Miramichi met the criteria for the funding that was available to Municipalities of fewer than 40,000 residents.

The money will go toward two murals that will be painted at downtown locations, as well as two temporary backdrops to be placed at Ritchie Wharf and Waterford Green that people will be able to use as backgrounds for selfies to commemorate the country’s milestone birthday.

Steve MacAuley, General manager of Downtowns Miramichi, says the locations of the murals will be on the side of Mill Cove Coffee on Newcastle Blvd, and on the Vogue Theatre on Cunard Street.

MacAuley said a committee appointed by the city will oversee the selection of artists and the approval of the mural design.  Members of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee that will make the mural decisions are Terri Cormier, Brian Sullivan, Lloyd Cameron, Marc Allain.

MacAuley said the downtown merchants can also apply for dollar-for-dollar funding for storefront beautification projects.