Nanaimo will look at repainting its sign at Maffeo Sutton park. The large sign depicting the city’s name was installed at the park in 2022 and features a rainbow on the letter “o.”
The rainbow letter on the sign was vandalized last month and according to a report to council on May 26, it will need to be repainted.
City staff recommended commissioning a new design for the letter and looking into establishing an annual public design call. This could be hand-painted designs or use adhesive decals to reduce cost and make changing them easier, according to the report.
“I think it’s a really nice way to tie in a program that already exists,” said councillor Erin Hemmens. “I find the cost of $5,000 quite low. I think it could really promote a local artist and give them a nice little canvas in a central park so I think it’s a great idea.”
Council was divided on the decision. Mayor Leonard Krog said the “o,” which represents diversity, is important to him.
“I tell everyone over and over again – this is a tolerant, accepting and welcoming community. The only reason this is before us is because we have had – with great respect and I won’t use any other language than is appropriate – some bloody idiots who choose to deface public property. Obviously, many of us assume, based on ridiculous views held by conspiracy theorists that somehow this council is controlled by or in allyship with the World Economic Forum,” he said.
Krog voted against the motion and said he saw changing the sign as a concession to conspiracy theorists. Councillors Sheryl Armstrong and Ian Thorpe were also opposed. Thorpe said he would like to see the entire sign get a new design.
