The most utilitarian canvasses ever painted on in the city are now being unveiled. Two BC Hydro electrical boxes have been transformed thanks to the City of Prince George and three more have been facelifted by the Ministry of Transportation.
"It is a crime-prevention and city-beautification project all rolled into one," said Linda Parker of Prince George Community Policing. "They were transformed with custom designed vinyl wrap. This addresses crime prevention because these boxes are less likely to be vandalized or plagued with graffiti, and secondly they become a piece of public art that enhances the community."
The two adorned by community policing are located at the corner of Massey Drive and Ospika Boulevard (purple flowers) and on Dominion Street in front of the Four Seasons Leisure Pool (smiling swimmers). The three done by the province are located at 15th Avenue and Victoria, 4th Avenue and Victoria and Highway 16 and Highway 97.
Community policing was aided in their efforts by funds from BC Hydro and a grant from the Communities In Bloom initiative.
"They have been doing this for years in other parts of B.C.," said Parker. "They look fabulous and in some communities they take on a theme. In one Okanagan town they have naturally made it a fruit theme. Some have made it a photo contest. Victoria used it as a 'you are here' thing with maps. Nanaimo had an artist actually paint up to 30 electrical boxes which adds a unique flavour because it is original artwork right on the boxes."
All these boxes were painstakingly wrapped in a lamination process done by Up The Creek's Crystal MacDonald using a squeegee and a heat gun.
"It took great patience," she said. "It's a very big job. It takes all day."
Each one is unique due to different shapes, sizes and configuration of the boxes, the objects around them and keeping visible the warning labels and logos necessary for BC Hydro worker safety.
Prince George Community Policing would like to establish a citywide anti-graffiti and community enhancement program. One idea thrown out during the unveiling of the Dominion Street box on Tuesday was using the same vinyl imaging to wrap colour around utility poles and street light poles. More ideas are hoped for.
"It's an opportunity for Prince George to celebrate its unique culture, cut down on vandalism and also visually enhance our urban environment," said Parker.
Anyone who has thoughts about this can call PGCP at 250-561-3366.
