27 Jul 2026 Special Council meeting Community

Councillor Eastmure Motion re: The “Lost Intersections” Public Art Installations

Motion
That Council direct Staff to prepare a report identifying the process and estimated costs to acquire the three Lost Intersections Temporary Public Art installations by Jackie Wong for inclusion in the City's Permanent Public Art Collection as a lasting recognition of Nanaimo's Chinese Canadian heritage, including the purchase of the artwork from the artist, permanent installation requirements at all three installation sites, and ongoing operating and capital costs for inspection, maintenance, repair, replacement, and long-term stewardship.
Minutes, page 8
Sources
Agenda itemCity agenda
Put forward by Hilary Eastmure Source

Hilary Eastmure Yes

17B. Thank you. So the motion that Council Direct staff to prepare a report identifying the process and estimated costs to acquire the three lost intersections temporary public art installations by Jackie Wong for inclusion in the city's permanent public art collection as a lasting recognition of Nanaimo's Chinese Canadian Heritage, including the purchase of the artwork from the artist permanent installation requirements at all three installation sites and ongoing operating and capital costs for inspection, maintenance repair replacement and long - term stewardship. Ms. Gurry, do we have to have it seconded first before I invite And we have a secondary encounter Armstrong. You want to speak to Councillor? I would love to. Yes, thank you. So Lost Intersections by Artist Jackie Wong is a public art project that highlights an often overlooked part of our history. And I'm not sure if everyone has had a chance to see these installations yet, but they are three neon installations that are placed at historical intersections. And they mark the former sites of Nanaimo's three Chinatowns, which were once vibrant centres of Community Culture and Resilience for Chinese immigrants. The first one was at Esplanade in Victoria from the 1860s to 1884. The second was at View Street and Bing Key Street from 1884 to 1908. And the third at Pine Street and Hecket from 1908 to the 1960s was said to have a population of about 1200 people at the height of its existence before it was also destroyed by a fire. And in speaking with members of the Chinese Community here in Nanaimo, the obviously an understandably, a very strong desire to better recognise the history and the many contributions of the Chinese immigrants and Chinese Community here in Nanaimo since the 1860s. And I wasn't time to Nanaimo had the third largest Chinatown in all of BC. And in addition to refurbishing the town site Chinese cemetery, which is a priority, I'm hearing a shared desire from amongst many Chinese Community Groups in Nanaimo, including the Nanaimo Chinese cultural Society and Nanaimo Chinese Freemasons and Historical Experts, including Dr. Imogene Lim and Community Advocates to make the lost intersections pieces permanent. And as chair of the city's advisory committee on accessibility and inclusiveness, I see a recognition of the contributions of Chinese immigrants as part of the inclusiveness aspect of my commitment to this work. And these installations are small, but they're bright, they're beautiful. And I think they're really important markers where there has been no recognition before. And I don't want to lose these formerly lost intersections when the temporary art contract expires. And I think they really present an excellent jumping off point to build from. I would love to lock these in sooner rather than later so that we have something permanent.
Councillor Ishmir. They are. Initially it was a five - year contract. And with art pieces like this after that contract is upped and the opportunity for the city to explore with the artist's potentially acquiring the artwork if the artist is interested. I've spoken to the artist. They're actually very interested in the city acquiring it sooner than that. And in terms of ongoing maintenance, these pieces are built in a pretty robust way and they are powered with solar panels.

Erin Hemmens Yes

Thank you Councillor Hemmons. Thank you, worship. When, if this motion does not pass or this motion did not exist, when would the art Installation be coming down.
Okay, thank you. I love this installation. Um, I think it's a really beautiful, simple mark. Um, to our complex history. My questions, however, are based upon just the process here and understanding, you know, should we wait for years and then purchase it. Like, so I'm happy together to report. I support it. I love the installation.