The mural project was a multi-year collaborative effort which included both a youth employment and revitalization strategy. Initial core funding came from Human Resources Development Canada as part of a job creation program.
Over 54 youth were hired and gained valuable life skills and real work experience. Many of these youth have gone on to rewarding careers. Two of the youth, Steven Skolka and Tyler Toews have created their own company called Canadian Murals. ...
The mural project created pride in our heritage and was a catalyst for revitalization of the heritage character of Vernon's downtown business center.
In the days ahead, I'll be posting my photos of these murals here. Today we begin with the mural "Shuswap and Okanagan Railway" created in 2000. It is located at 2899 - 29th Street and Michelle Loughery was the main artist.
Shuswap and Okanagan Railway
This spur of the CPR was begun in Sicamous in 1890. It reached Vernon in 1891. Though it was officially called the S&O, it was nicknamed the Molasses Ltd. because people said they could make the trip faster by foot.
(Information about the murals comes from The Heritage Murals of Downtown Vernon website.)
