If you miss Olds' annual Christmas village this time of year, a new public art project coming to Centennial Park might bring some comfort during those long, hot summer months.
After positive feedback from a public consultation last March, the town is going ahead with the installation of permanent metal silhouettes of the heritage prairie village ñ a series of murals depicting historic buildings in Olds, which are set up along the Centennial park pathway during the Olds Fashioned Christmas celebrations.
Given the opportunity to vote during the open house, 87 people were in favour of installing the silhouettes, with only nine people against the proposal, according to the recently released Parks Community Engagement report, presented to council during the last priorities and planning meeting (May 15).
Chief operating officer Doug Wagstaff confirmed that the positive feedback means the town will be moving forward with the project this summer.
The report says the permanent structures will be customized to fit the existing murals, making it easier and safer for volunteers to set up and take down the framed paintings each Christmas.
ìBecause they have been around for 27 years, they're starting to wear out. And volunteers are starting to wear out,î said the town's heritage advisor, Michelle Jorgenson during the public consultation.
In addition to interpretive panels providing historical information, solar lighting will be added to provide floodlights that would light the silhouettes in the evenings year round.
ìThe community would always have access to this unique little heritage village,î said Jorgensen.
Jorgensen said the project will cost $50,000, and is budgeted to come from the ATCO franchise fee ñ a yearly fee levied by the town against the gas company for the right to distribute services locally ñ which is earmarked for arts, culture and heritage projects.
To read the entire Parks Engagement Report go to: http://www.olds.ca/minutes/agendas/may1517c.pdf
