Chilco Tunnel Nature Mural

Discover the history and community spirit behind the Chilco Tunnel Nature Mural, a vibrant "magical forest" gateway in View Royal brought to life through local collaboration.

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Location

View Royal
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About

Transforming a utilitarian transit point into a local landmark, the Chilco Tunnel Nature Mural is more than just paint on a wall, it’s a living history of View Royal’s community spirit. Originally a railway passage connecting Chilco Road to Atkins Road, this tunnel now serves as a vibrant, "magical forest" gateway for pedestrians and cyclists.
A Vision for the Neighbourhood
In 2007, the Town of View Royal looked at the plain walls of the Chilco Tunnel and saw an opportunity. To discourage graffiti and foster local pride, staff proposed a collaborative art project. Local muralist Morgan Macaulay was commissioned to design a scene that would resonate with all ages: an enchanting woodland filled with native flora, towering trees, and local birdlife.
Key Milestones:
- August 2007: The mural was officially unveiled after a massive community "paint-in."
- October 2023: To keep the magic alive, the Town brought Macaulay back for a full artistic refresh, ensuring the colours remain as bold as the day they were first applied.

The Artist’s Vision & Community Spirit

When the project was conceived, the primary goal was to create an atmosphere that was welcoming and friendly for all ages. Macaulay developed the theme and designed a process that invited the entire neighbourhood to get involved.
To make the art accessible, Macaulay sourced various colours of recycled roll paint and outlined the animals and insects throughout the tunnel. This created a giant "paint-by-numbers" canvas, allowing residents to show up for a day of collective painting. The event was a success, bringing parents and children together for a day of shared creativity.

About the Artist: Morgan Macaulay

A staple of the local arts scene, Morgan Macaulay has been refining his craft since he could first hold a brush. Born in 1979, his talent was recognized early with two Kennedy Art Awards by age twelve.
Morgan is a versatile master of his medium, fluent in:
- Fine Arts: Oils, acrylics, and watercolours.
- Technical Styles: Airbrush, ink, and spray paint.
- Public Works: He painted his first mural in 1998 and has since become the region’s go-to artist for everything from private oil collections to the whimsical Christmas window displays found throughout the city.

Next time you’re passing through, take a moment to spot the hidden birds and native plants. You’re walking through a piece of View Royal history (source).

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