Two beloved landmarks in Sidney are being carefully restored by IceBear, the internationally-recognized artist who created a series of murals in Sidney from 1997 to 1999.
Mural restoration underway by IceBear
The Ocean
This iconic outdoor mural on the side of Fairway Market was painted in celebration of the “International Year of the Ocean” in 1999. It features a montage of captivating images – from viperfish to a storm-tossed Coast Guard vessel – all of which help tell the story of ocean science on the West Coast.
With the support of former Minister of the Environment, David Anderson, the information and images in the mural were provided by scientists, technicians, and historians, including but not limited to:
- Dr. Andrew Weaver, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and Professor in the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences at the University of Victoria
- Specialists from the Patricia Bay Institute for Ocean Science.
Approximately 100 sponsors contributed materials and funding to make the mural possible.
NIL/TU’O (In the Beginning)
Sidney’s most visible mural at the corner of Resthaven Drive and Beacon Avenue was commissioned by Telus for the side of their telecommunications building. The mural includes three-dimensional effects and depicts Coast Salish warriors in a canoe desperately paddling to reach the safety of the shore.
IceBear, a status member of the Chippewas of Nawash, consulted with Chief and Elders of the Tseycum Nation and representatives of additional W̱SÁNEĆ Nations when creating the mural to ensure accuracy and approval of the image. As a rare honour, preserved clothing designs and patterns were shared to guide his work.
In July 1997, a large ceremony was held to bless the mural, including cultural performances from Indigenous youth.
Additional IceBear Mural:
The Cannery
IceBear also painted The Cannery mural at 9774 Third Street, commissioned by the previous building owner Excel Systems Software. The mural was unveiled in 1998, depicting an industrial era in Sidney’s waterfront history.
Grant:
The restoration work currently underway on The Ocean is being funded by a $5,000 grant from the ArtSea Community Arts Council, which provides money for grassroots artistic initiatives throughout the Saanich Peninsula and Greater Victoria. Local businesses have also provided support for the restoration work.
Status Update:
- July 4, 2025 – IceBear is offering the opportunity for a few more local artists with experience in acrylics to come and work with him, to learn the techniques and colour use that he has used in these artworks, so that in future if some repairs, maintenance, or touch ups are necessary, knowledgeable artists can help preserve the mural. Interested artists can email: charronne1[at]mac.com.
- June 20, 2025 – (Complete) IceBear is looking for volunteers to help complete the restoration of The Ocean mural in late June and early July. This would be ideal for artists familiar with acrylic paints, and interested in learning new techniques. Help would also be welcome from someone experienced in house-painting skills, as the restored mural will need to be painted with a weather-proof, clear UV coating.