New Public Artwork Completed in View Royal

September 19, 2023

Work on the 128m²(1,375sq ft) multi-wall mural on the Helmcken Road trestle by artist Collin Elder is complete.

This is the third large-scale public artwork for the Town of View Royal since the creation in 2011 of “Love Story” by Andreas Kunert along Island Highway and the 2007 Chilco Tunnel Community Mural by Morgan Macaulay.

Located adjacent to View Royal Elementary School, the Helmcken Road trestle mural covers six concrete faces that constitute the underpass of the E&N Rail bridge. The mural has taken three weeks to complete.

Collin’s botanical representations of Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar, important tree species in this eco-region, are mirrored in the mural on either side of Helmcken Road.

Helmcken Road Mural - West Side

Helmcken Road Mural - East Side

“People in View Royal have been really supportive. Many drivers and passersby have been cheering me on and telling me how much they appreciate the mural.”

Collin has a degree in wildlife biology and works professionally in ecological conservation. This background informs his artwork, which often depict the natural world. He has completed many murals on Vancouver Island, Salt Spring Island, and in mural festivals across Canada.

A celebration event will take place in late September with the school community at View Royal Elementary School.