Sarnia residents are being invited to cast a vote for their favourite design for a temporary mural at the Canatara Beach Lifeguard Station.
A poll has been posted to the Speak Up Sarnia website.
https://www.speakupsarnia.ca/mural2025
The cloth mural will be installed by the nuSarnia Foundation this summer thanks to a generous donor who contributed $5,000.
The organization was looking for pieces that “reflect the beauty of Canatara Park, the spirit of Lake Huron, and Sarnia’s rich history – all while bringing a bright and vibrant energy to this beloved community space.”
Local artists Cynthia Fay and Emily Wright each submitted a beautiful piece of art.
Each of them shared a brief description of their work.
Fay's mural "Where the Water Sings" reflects the natural beauty and peaceful spirit of Canatara Park.
"Inspired by the kindness of the woman who first envisioned and helped secure this waterfront space — Maud MacAdams Hanna — the hair of the central figure flows outward like the waves of the beautiful water she named Canatara, drawn from the Ojibwe word for "blue water."
Fay said her piece is meant to inspire kindness and a sense of joy through the music and harmony found in nature and when experiencing the park itself.
"As a mixed-race artist, music therapist, and teacher, I wanted the piece to feel alive with biodiversity, welcoming, and full of light—a reminder to spread kindness wherever you go and to appreciate the beautiful sounds of nature," she said.
Wright said her design was inspired by the natural beauty that can be found at Canatara Park and beach.
"I have illustrated a sunset at the beach and included some of the flowers that can be found throughout the park; black eyed Susan, prairie smoke, wild geraniums and blue phlox flowers," said Wright. "I chose to include these flowers due to the history of Canatara Park and Maud Hanna.
"Through the inclusion of the flowers I am paying homage to Hanna and what she has done for the enjoyment of the community through preserving nature’s beauty with her donation of both monetary value and time. In my opinion, the beauty of nature speaks for itself brilliantly through vibrant colours and I wanted that to come through in my design for the Canatara Lifeguard Station."
Initially, there were three options posted for consideration. However, an entry developed using artificial intelligence was withdrawn after the survey was posted.
"We truly value and respect the feedback we have received regarding this project, thank you to everyone who took time to share their thoughts with us. We certainly did not intend to offend or disrespect anyone and are learning as we go here," read a nuSarnia Foundation Facebook post. "Our team here at nuSarnia will be the first ones to acknowledge where we have opportunities to learn, and when we need to pivot projects as we go."
Voting is open until June 4, at 4:30 p.m. The feedback will be shared with Sarnia City Council for a final decision at its June 23 meeting.