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CITY OF VANCOUVER ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT |
Date: |
November 4, 2003 | |
Author: |
Wally Konowalchuk | |
Phone No.: |
6314 | |
RTS No.: |
03752 | |
CC File No.: |
3130 | |
Meeting Date: |
November 18, 2003 |
TO: |
Vancouver City Council |
FROM: |
General Manager of Engineering Services in consultation with Public Art Program Manager |
SUBJECT: |
Public Art on Sewer Access Covers, Electrical Box Lids, and Catch Basin Grates |
RECOMMENDATION
A. THAT Council approve the City's public art process as a means to add public art to utility access covers.
B. THAT Council approve the upfront cost for the design process of $20,000 funding to be allocated from the 2000-02 Public Arts funds for Civic Infrastructure (Order#30003859) with possible cost sharing from Sewers capital.
COUNCIL POLICY
City Council adopted the Public Art Program for Civic and Private Developments in 1990. A Community Public Art Program was adopted in 1994.
In 2000, City Council approved the allocation of $100,000 for public art developed in association with civic infrastructure.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to obtain Council approval to incorporate public art on City infrastructure items such as sewer access covers, electrical box lids, and catch basin grates.
DISCUSSION
Many municipalities incorporate public art on components of civic infrastructure, including sewer access covers. The materials and two-dimensional shape of the covers lend themselves to many artistic possibilities. The process of adding art also provides an opportunity to involve the general public as well as the artist community.
Accordingly, the Engineering Department and public art staff are developing a broad public art process to incorporate artwork on the City's sewer access covers and electrical box lids. At the same time, staff are exploring the possibility of involving city schools in the public art process, with a view to raising awareness about the importance of City infrastructure and City sewer systems.
It is proposed that for catch basin grates, the Engineering department will include a salmon engraving. The shape and perforated pattern of the catch basin grate does not provide a good art opportunity, however, the Engineering Department proposes use of a standard pattern, similar to the one shown in Appendix A, and will include the words "LEADS TO FISH HABITAT" and "KEEP OUR WATERS CLEAN" on the top and bottom of the grate.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There will be upfront costs to develop the design and molds required for production. Costs for the public process, compensation or prizes for the winning artist(s), and production fees to develop the design and molds are expected to be a one time cost in the order of $20,000. This funding will be allocated from the Public Art funds for Civic Infrastructure previously approved in the 2000-02 capital plan with possible cost sharing from Sewers capital.
The new covers, lids, and grates will be used in new installations as well as at locations requiring replacements. The Engineering department currently spends approximately $94,000 annually purchasing new and replacement covers, lids, and grates. The cost to include artwork on these items is estimated to be an additional $9,000 per year, which will be covered by Sewer capital.
No increased maintenance costs are expected. However, there may be additional costs if the new designs result in increased theft of artful covers and grates.
CONCLUSION
There is an opportunity to brighten up the public realm with art and to make the infrastructure more visible to the public of tomorrow. This report recommends we use catch basin grates, access and utility covers as canvases for art in Vancouver at minimal additional cost to the City.
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