For immediate release:

New community-centered mural unveiled in Downtown Milton

Milton, ON – A new mural was unveiled today in Downtown Milton that celebrates many unique and inspiring elements of the Milton community. Member of Parliament for Milton Adam van Koeverden, Mayor Gord Krantz and a representative of the office of Member of Provincial Parliament for Milton Parm Gill joined the Downtown Milton Business Improvement Area, Arts Milton, artists and contributors to unveil the new mural.

The mural was commissioned by the Downtown Milton Business Improvement Area in partnership with Arts Milton and STEPS Public Art. The project received funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and was supported by local sponsors, contributors and volunteers. The new mural was painted this fall and is located in the Spice o’ Life Parkette at the corner of Main St. E. and Charlies St.

The Lead Artist on the project was Omar (Oms) Hopkinson who is based in Milton, and the Assistant Artist was Mississauga-based Andrés Correa. The new mural features the words ‘Downtown Milton’ in vibrant colours which are set over a map of Milton’s historic downtown. It showcases these themes:

  • M – Multiculturalism
  • I – Interest
  • L – Lifestyle
  • T – Timelessness (First Nations)
  • O – Old Milton
  • N – Nature

The wall previously displayed a different mural which was an important part of the Downtown Milton community since the 1990s. Unfortunately, time, weather and UV light caused the image and paint to deteriorate. The new mural was painted following extensive repairs to the wall by the property owner. The new artwork makes reference to the previous artwork and a plaque is being installed at the site to recognize the previous painting.

Quotes:

“Building beautiful, welcoming public spaces downtown helps to attract people to the heart of our community to meet, shop, dine and explore. This new mural is an opportunity to enhance the vibrancy of our downtown and support local businesses while promoting local arts and culture. We are grateful for the support from FedDev Ontario and from the partners, artists, local businesses, collaborators and volunteers that helped make this mural a reality.”

Rachel Shuttleworth, Executive Director, Downtown Milton Business Improvement Area

“The Government of Canada is committed to investing in community infrastructure that promotes social inclusion and drives resilient local economic growth through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund. This mural is one step in the process of revitalizing our downtown core and main street by refreshing a public space for all to enjoy. Thank you to the Business Improvement Area for continuously finding innovative ways to create a vibrant community space and supporting local businesses in Milton.”

Adam van Koeverden, Member of Parliament for Milton, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Sport

“With the unveiling of this mural, Milton will have a welcoming space where our diversity is recognized and our multiculturalism is celebrated. Thank you to the Downtown Milton Business Improvement Area, Omar Hopkinson and Andrés Correa for their commitment to further advancing inclusion and equality in our community and across our province.”

Parm Gill, Member of Provincial Parliament for Milton and Minister of Red Tape Reduction

“Milton is home to a culturally diverse and inclusive community. With culture at the centre of community building and development, this mural is a perfect example of our culture plan creating a path forward for the integration of cultural planning into community projects.”

Gord Krantz, Mayor of Milton

“Arts Milton was pleased to be part of the development of this new and significant piece of public art in Milton. Thanks to the leadership of the DMBIA, the mural project showcased how a collaboration between business, arts and culture, and government can achieve wonderful results for our community.”

Auleen Carson, President, Arts Milton

For more information, follow us on Instagram @dtmilton, Facebook @downtownmilton or visit www.downtownmilton.com/main-charles-mural.

About the Downtown Milton Business Improvement Area

The Downtown Milton Business Improvement Area (DMBIA) works to enhance and restore Downtown Milton and promote it as a vibrant and growing business community. We support local businesses, property owners and the community through beautification efforts, special events, marketing and promotions and strategic partnerships. For more information, visit www.downtownmilton.com.