Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning introduced this item as related to a heritage permit application for the Public Art Projects on Main Street Unionville and welcomed Yan Wu to deliver a presentation.
Yan Wu, Public Art Coordinator, provided an overview of the Public Art Projects that are proposed to be installed on Main Street Unionville as part of the overall streetscape restoration project. Ms. Wu reviewed the extensive process undertaken to date concerning the selection of public art submissions and the work provided by the jury to select the preferred projects. She presented conceptual drawings and artistic interpretations of the Staircase Fencing, Tree Guard/Tree Grate, and the Rouge Connection Pathway Art Projects.
The Committee expressed concerns with the overall look of the Staircase Fencing and Tree Guard/Tree Grate proposals as members felt it did not complement the heritage character of the street and would negatively affect the overall Heritage District. The Committee expressed concern with the proposed use of COR-TEN steel as it has a limited range of colour options and is out of character with Main Street, especially the manner in which it was proposed for use as tree guards. Ms. Wu advised that the drawings provided by the artist are conceptual and the feedback from the Committee will be helpful to consider revisions to ensure the community is satisfied.
The Committee expressed further concerns with the future year-round maintenance of the proposed installation and the possibility of it staining the new pedestrian pavers over time. Ms. Wu advised that the COR-TEN steel was selected for its lower cost and durability but noted that there is budget allocated for future maintenance if needed. Ms. Wu added there is the possibility of minor discoloration over time however the installation of the material is done in a way to ensure any wash off is redirected away from the boulevard pavers.
The Committee requested that further consideration be made to help pedestrians understand the meaning behind the installations. Ms. Wu confirmed that dynamic panels and interactive elements will be installed to help decipher the code of the artwork.
The Committee requested this item be deferred to provide time for Public Art Staff to work with the artist to explore alternate colour options for the COR-TEN steel and revisions to the overall look of the tree guard/tree grate to better reflect the heritage character of the street. The Ward Councillor suggested using the standard tree guard/tree gate used by the City as a starting point for the discussion.
Regarding the Rouge Connection Pathway Art Project, the Committee enquired if the final colour treatment may change from the blue that was depicted on the illustrations and that Ms. Wu return to a future Heritage Markham meeting to share the final proposed design of this component of the Art Project.