Mural Application Process

To paint or apply a mural on a building or property in Saanich, you must receive prior approval from the District of Saanich.

Property owners, community groups and artists interested in creating a mural in Saanich can apply anytime to install a mural.

Please note: We are currently updating the mural application process. For questions or to express your interest in creating a mural, please contact us.

Existing Process:
To paint or apply a mural on a building in Saanich, the design must receive Council approval (Option 1) or public art jury approval (Option 2). The mural approval process is supported by the "Comprehensive Arts Policy" and we encourage the private sector to follow the public jury process to choose a mural design.

Option 1: Council Approval Process

For application guidelines for the Council approval process, contact Brenda Weatherston, Community Arts & Public Art Programmer, at 250-475-5557 or brenda.weatherston@saanich.ca

Option 2: Public Art Jury Process

Saanich’s Comprehensive Arts Policy outlines a public art jury process for the selection of any civic public art. This ensures we choose artwork through an equitable process. We also want the art to bring value to the neighbourhood, the arts community and the property owner. Please see Section 7.2 of the Comprehensive Arts Policy for details on the jury process.

Here is a brief outline:

• Select a project jury including:
  • 3 artists.
  • 1 member from the local community association.
  • 1 land owner or commissioning agency representative.
  • Prepare a project brief or terms of reference including judging criteria.
  • Advertise a ‘Request for Proposals’ based on the project brief.
  • Artists submit entries.
  • The project jury chooses a winning submission.
  • We the send a copy of the project brief, list of
    jury members and images of winning proposals to the Planning Department.

Wall signs

In contrast to a mural, a wall sign is painted on an exterior wall and may only cover a maximum of 15% of the wall (see Sign Bylaw). A wall sign requires a Sign Permit.

Examples of Murals in Saanich

“Rain Shadow,” Beckwith Park Mural
Artist: Sarah Jim
Painted as part of the 2022 Community Canvas Mural Pilot Project

“Taking Flight,” Cedar Hill Park Mural
Artist: Claire Crawford
Painted as part of the 2022 Community Canvas Mural Pilot Project

Craigflower Elementary School Mural
Located at 2766 Admirals Road
Coast Salish First Nations Welcome
Artists – Morgan Macaulay, Butch Dick and Darlene Gait
Painted with the assistance of Craigflower Elementary School students.

“Flight,” Layritz Park Mural
Artist: Jesse Campbell with Temoseng (Chazz Elliott)
Painted as part of the 2022 Community Canvas Mural Pilot Project

Lumberworld Mural
Located at Quadra Street & Reynolds Avenue
Artist – Paul Archer

Rogers Elementary School Mural
Located at 765 Rogers Avenue
Garry oak woodland and meadow
Artist – Joanne Thomson
Painted with the assistance of Rogers Elementary School students.

Quadra Street  retaining wall mural
Located at Quadra Street & Tattersall Road
Saanich Garry Oak woodland overlooking the Salish Sea
Artist – Steve Milroy

Rudd Park Community Mural
Located at Boleskine Road & Irma Street

Peninsula Runners mural
Located at 3659 Shelbourne Street
Artist – Steve Milroy

Burnside at Wascana Street “Sunflower Girl” mural
Located at 100 Burnside Road West 
Sponsor: Gorge Tillicum Community Association
Artist – Paul Archer