Altona's giant Van Gogh painting is getting replaced.
Before making a decision on the future of the attraction, which had deteriorated over the years and most recently, became heavily damaged in high winds, Council turned to the community for feedback. After reviewing the results of a recent survey, Mayor Harv Schroeder says Council made the decision to proceed with a replacement.
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68% of the people who responded to the survey said the towering steel structure should remain a landmark in the community. 60% of respondents went on to say that the big easel should continue to display some kind of hand-painted artwork. Finally, 61% of respondents felt that whatever is displayed should continue to be an image of Van Gogh's Sunflowers.
"I don't think I was surprised," said Schroeder when asked for his thoughts on the results. "That painting has been here for quite a number of years and, seeing the response, people were interested."
"I'm glad people gave their opinions and that we didn't just move forward on our own," he added.
In total, 589 people responded to the survey, representing 13.4 per cent of Altona's population.
"(That) is a very good number for a community this size. We were expecting two hundred/two hundred and fifty, at the most," noted Schroeder. "So, people were definitely listening."
How much will it cost?
The cost of the full replacement, which will include a new painting on a fresh canvas fastened to marine-grade plywood, is estimated to be $70,000. This new painting is expected to last around 25 years.
According to the survey results, 56% of respondents felt it should be covered by a combination of community fund raisers and through the municipal budget. So, that is the approach Council will take moving forward.
How we can help
Now, the Town has issued a call for interested members of the public to take the lead on fund raising and other community initiatives to help come up with the money. If you would like to be involved in helping raise funds for this project, or have a fundraising idea, please contact Communications Officer Sarah Cail at communications@altona.ca or 204-324-6468.
Charitable donations will also be accepted. Those can be made at the administration office, located in the Civic Centre.
As well, the Town is waiting to hear back how much money it will be getting through an insurance claim.
Council has already set its budget for the year, so any contributions it makes to the project will only be in the 2026 budget.