McKenzie Morgan, a member of the Lloydminster Community Youth Centre, works beside Lloydminster RCMP Const. Melanie Fynn to kick off this year’s Graffiti Cleanup program on the back alley wall of Giant Tiger. Geoff Lee Meridian Source
A back alley wall behind Giant Tiger will frame a new mural as part of this year’s Youth Graffiti Cleanup program.
The mural will feature elements such as Lloydminster Mental Health Navigation Tool graphics, provincial flowers, sweet grass and poppies to beautify the area of the 4700-block on 50 Ave.
The project kicked off a week ago with volunteers from the Lloydminster Community Youth Centre (LCYC) working with Lloydminster RCMP Const. Melanie Flynn to remove graffiti from the wall.
Patrick Lancaster, manager, social programs and services with the City of Lloydminster, was also at the site with community development coordinator and mural designer, Amber Fast.
The Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre Youth Group and Youth Council volunteers will take turns with cleanup sessions to be held July 14 and 28 and Aug. 11 and 25 from 1:30-3 p.m.
“A huge part of it is getting the youth involved in it early and having them take pride in the community and themselves and contribute to the overall beautification and look back on it every year,” said Fast.
The cleanup program is in its seventh year, which started with repainting tagged fences and then switched to murals a few years ago to beautify the downtown.
LCYC volunteer, Michael Welch, took part in the downtown cleanup project last year and says he’s back for the fun of it.
“It’s really nice seeing the old graffiti get removed and replaced with new stuff,” he said.
He also provided a tip on how to remove stubborn graffiti paint.
“You just have to apply enough force to it,” he said, adding “it’s going to feel good,” when it’s done.
Fast says the mural art is intended to convey a positive message to youth.
“It’s all going to tie in together just to talk about how big the world is for youth and how much opportunity there is and certain things to remember about our past and to take care of ourselves, “ said Fast.
The mural will also depict some Saskatchewan lilies and Alberta roses that should attract a positive reaction from passersby.
“I think they’ll find it nice,” said youth volunteer Layla Cameron.
All of the elements of the mural represent important aspects of the community and its strength.
Const. Flynn says as a community resource officer, it’s nice to see the whole community come together from the youth centre to the city itself trying to beautify Lloydminster.
“I think their hard work will pay off and they’ll have a good sense of pride in their community that they were able to create such a great landmark of our city for a long time.”
