If you're walking along McAllister Avenue in downtown Port Coquitlam, take note of the new mural in front of the Leigh Square Community Arts Village.
Painted in bright colours, the mural will be part of the Donald Pathway extension to a public plaza at a new condo and retail development called The Met.
The mural depicts the Coquitlam River that flows nearby with a jumping salmon and was designed by artist Sandeep Johal.
Johal is a Canadian visual artist whose practice engages drawing, collage, textiles and large-scale murals. She is well known for creating murals that embody brightness, hope and beauty.
You can view her work on Instagram.
Last Friday (May 12), the city held an unveiling of the crosswalk painting.
While it was being painted — a process that took five days — a canopied rest area was propped up next to the mural, and the special resin paint used had a distinctive odour.
Mayor Brad West acknowledged the mural in a press release this week.
"This colourful crosswalk not only enhances the safety of our residents but also incorporates public art, adding vibrancy and character to our downtown,” said West.
“As part of our downtown revitalization plan, this helps to beautify the area and reinforce that streets are not just for cars but are also places for pedestrians to get where they need to go safely.”
The May Day Festival on Saturday drew more than 25,000 people, according to the city.
