Press Releases

Chilliwack, BC: The Evans Roundabout is about to become the first roundabout in Chilliwack to feature a public art piece. In 2017, the Chilliwack Public Art Advisory Committee selected ‘Giant Flowers’ by artist Ronald Simmer for installation at the Evans Roundabout to enrich the visual environment of the community.

The piece will feature an arrangement of five 25 foot tall multi-coloured flowers. Each flower will feature ten petals, painted in a broad array of bright colours. The flower stalks will be illuminated at night by ground-based floodlights and each flower head will be lit with LED lights.

Roundabout design requires that the driver’s view across the centre of the circle be blocked, either by plantings or manmade structures. There are many examples in our region where art, or manmade landscape features have been used to improve the aesthetics of the neighbourhood. The design requirement to block the driver’s view across the roundabout is necessary and required for safe roundabout operation.

The City of Chilliwack supports public art with the Chilliwack Public Art Policy. In order for a public art piece to be considered, an application must be submitted to the City and reviewed by the Chilliwack Public Art Advisory Committee. The Chilliwack Public Art Advisory Committee consists of community members who volunteer their time to provide City Council with a recommendation in line with the Chilliwack Public Art Policy in an area in which they are knowledgeable. After the committee makes its selection, a recommendation is brought before City Council, who approves all public art pieces.

“Public art has the power to energize and enhance our public spaces, make us think and transform where we live, work and play,” said Mayor Gaetz. “It is a council priority to foster a sense of pride in our community and public artwork, such as roundabout art, contributes to this feeling.”

“We recognize that art is subjective, and some people will enjoy this piece more than others,” said Councillor Sue Attrill, Chair of the Chilliwack Public Art Advisory Committee. “Mayor and Council strive to provide a wide variety of recreational and cultural experiences to meet the needs of all residents of Chilliwack. What improves the quality of life for one resident may be quite different for another. One thing I am certain of is that this piece will get people talking about art, which is wonderful.”

‘Giant Flowers’ is one of many public art pieces enhancing public spaces in Chilliwack. Since its inception, the Chilliwack Public Art Advisory Committee has also been instrumental in the approval of several notable public art pieces, including the Bookman mural, photo wrapped hydro boxes, the Canada 150 Mosaic Mural, and the mural at Five Corners.

The Evans Road roundabout is visible from the Trans-Canada Highway and hosts a significant amount of local traffic. Establishing a piece of public art in this location will present a visually impactful first impression of Chilliwack and make the roundabout safer to use.