Statement regarding the removal of the Murals at 38180 Cleveland Avenue
Statement from Downtown Squamish & Squamish Arts
Re: Removal of Murals at 38180 Cleveland Avenue
Downtown Squamish and Squamish Arts were made aware by the new leaseholder of the decision to remove the murals from the building as part of the significant redevelopment and investment planned for the property.
We understand that the removal of these murals has been disappointing for many in our community. Public art has become an important part of Squamish’s identity, and both Alex Fowkes’ Welcome to Squamish mural and Kevin Ledo’s Thor Froslev mural have been meaningful and recognizable pieces of our downtown streetscape.
The Welcome to Squamish mural was originally subject to a five-year agreement, which concluded in 2025. The agreement relating to the Kevin Ledo and Thor Froslev mural extended into 2027, but was associated with the previous tenant and therefore did not carry forward with the new tenancy.
While we were certainly disappointed to learn that the murals would not remain, we also recognize that the new leaseholder has a vision for the property and is making a substantial investment in a building that required significant upgrades and improvements. The planned restaurant and bar will bring a new use and renewed investment to an important downtown property that has been in need of significant work.
We respect the new business’s vision for the space and look forward to seeing the building brought back into active use. At the same time, we recognize the value that public art brings to downtown Squamish and remain supportive of opportunities to incorporate art and placemaking into our downtown as the community continues to grow and evolve.
Important to note here, that the new owners are in discussion with Downtown Squamish about opportunities to incorporate the renovated building into the 2027 Mural Walk Festival. We see this as an exciting opportunity to continue the conversation around public art and explore how the revitalized property can contribute to Squamish’s evolving downtown art landscape.
We also want to acknowledge the importance of preserving a piece of Thor Froslev’s work. Downtown Squamish is arranging for large-format prints of the mural to be produced, with one to be displayed at the Brackendale Art Gallery and another to be gifted to Dorte Froslev for her home.
We appreciate the community’s attachment to these murals and understand that their removal marks the end of a chapter in the downtown streetscape. We look forward to welcoming new investment, new businesses and new opportunities for art and creativity in our downtown.
