Puzzle-piece art to be removed from downtown Victoria crosswalk

Puzzle-piece art to be removed from downtown Victoria crosswalk
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The Downtown Victoria Business Association says the puzzle-piece art at the Yates and Douglas streets intersection will be removed this fall.

The puzzle-piece artwork at the intersection of Yates and Douglas streets will be removed this fall, according to the Downtown Victoria Business Association.

The crosswalk art installation was part of an $180,000-initiative at the intersection, with the funding coming from the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA), Downtown Victoria 2020 and the City of Victoria. One of the project’s goals to create a conversation about what could be done at the high-traffic intersection.

The project also included a new bike rack at the northwest corner of the intersection, a retail kiosk on the southeast corner and ribbons of art to a building at 1280 Douglas Street.

Kerri Milton, executive director of the DVBA, said the project’s expiration date was Sept. 30 and there was always a plan to remove the puzzle-piece art.

“There was always the intention to have it up temporarily and see how it looked and how it worked,” Milton said when discussing the crosswalk.

The pop-up art installation at the crosswalk has received both praise and criticism. Some critics are upset at the deterioration of the paint while others said the colours blended and it was harder for people with disabilities to see. Milton said some people who liked the puzzle pieces painted on the crosswalk pointed to the vibrancy, colour and the chance to have something different in downtown Victoria.

“It was mixed reviews, like any pop-up art project, which this is what it is,” Milton said.

“Some people loved it and some people hated it. There were opinions all across the board.”

According to Milton, the parking for bikes will remain at the intersection due to its popularity, while the kiosk will be moved to a new location. The art illumination on the building will be discussed with the landowners.

When the paint is removed, Milton said the intersection will be closed. The city and the DVBA will find a contractor for the paint removal.

“So we’re not doing in the middle of summer and tourist season,” Milton said.


The Downtown Victoria Business Association says the puzzle-piece art at the Yates and Douglas streets intersection will be removed this fall. Courtesy; DVBA

Alexa HuffmanAlexa Huffman

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