Business owners, local residents, young and old, have been taking it upon themselves to spruce up Prince Rupert and the impact is stunning. Bright colours are now jumping out from once drab corners and just walking down one of these streets can magically pop a smile onto your face. Optimism, even temporarily, can produce fresh thoughts and ideas provoking more optimism. Just like the painting of the old vacant video store did for some who were looking forward to a new business opening in that location. It remains vacant but, like the optimism, maybe only temporarily.

The concept is to have the business building owner “buy into” the idea of fresh paint and then he or she only has to pay for the paint. The rest of the project is managed by the “magic” of the City’s marauding paint crew. Glen Saunders of Cow Bay Gifts and Sharon Rothwell of Rona are part of the team spear heading this initiative and are the “go to” people if you are interested in helping out or would like to take advantage of this effort. Saunders described how they are also using this opportunity to train individuals in renovation techniques. He described how the effort came together; and the result in Cow Bay, stating he now wants to see it happen right through Prince Rupert.

The ‘Clean Up Prince Rupert sickness’ has spread to others and is taking on new forms. Electrician Richard Wright and his crew used their equipment and personal time and energy to clean up the alder scrub and brush from the old Elizabeth Apartment site. This now provides a new view of the harbour from downtown, something that again, ‘lifts the spirits’. Across the street from that new viewpoint land is the Moose Hall which is also sporting fresh paint. We have been told Wright is donating funds to help put a new roof on this building. If this type of effort keeps up and more join in, Rupert might develop a new swagger to its step much like a young man or woman with a new coat.

Rothwell can be contacted at Rona – 250-627-7011 – if you wish to get involved or find out more information.