Late in the summer of 2020, we began on a new entrance to Westboro Village on Churchill Ave. Since 1997, the beautiful artwork of Shaun McInnis has filled the retaining wall on Churchill Ave just north of Byron. Shaun McInnis completed a number of murals in and around Westboro Village, and this one of Winston Churchill was one of the most prominent.
Early work on the new gateway mural. Photo by Miv Photography
As with all murals, time and weather took their toll. In partnership with the Westboro Beach Community Association, Westboro Community Association and Councillor Jeff Leiper’s office the Westboro Village BIA began a community consultation for what the community would like to see. Overwhelmingly the responses were to have a mural that reflected our community, including nature and the local landmarks.
Photo by Miv Photography
With the generous support of the City of Ottawa we were able to replace the mural with one filled with community content. Style Over Status completed the project in late fall and the mural has many representations of the Westboro Community. From the waves and heron at Westboro Beach, to the old Nepean City Hall and the transportation along Byron, there is much to see and be found in the new mural. The mural shows the evolution of Westboro with many nods to the history of the neighborhood.
Photo by Miv Photography
Health regulations prohibited us from having a ribbon cutting event in the fall, and continue to impact our ability to have one now. While we know we have not had an official unveiling, we have seen many people stopping to admire this new mural in our community.
We would love to see your favourite aspects of the mural. Share them with us on social media and tag @westborovillage or #westborovillage #westboromural
Photo by Miv Photography
