From the Saanich News – May 12, 2026. Reported by Nikhil Nikhil.Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association members gathered Monday morning (May 11th) to clean and maintain a community mural on Quadra Street that has helped deter graffiti for more than a decade.
Five volunteers worked from 10:30am to Noon clearing weeds, dirt and grime from the retaining wall and surrounding area near Tattersall Drive and Quadra Street (beside an old bus bay).
The roadside mural was installed in 2013 after the site was repeatedly targeted by graffiti. Volunteers said the artwork has remained largely untouched since it was painted.
“This is the second time that we’ve done a cleanup here,” said John Schmuck, past president of the association. “We did a cleanup here about five years ago, but it was time again.”
Volunteers trimmed overgrown vegetation, swept debris and cleaned the mural as part of an effort to brighten the public space and preserve a neighbourhood feature.
Chris Bartlett, a member of the association’s leadership team, said the mural continues to be an important part of the community streetscape.
The mural project was proposed by two residents who had the idea and helped secure funding for the project.
Before the mural was installed, the retaining wall had been repeatedly tagged with graffiti, the association said. Since the artwork was completed, volunteers say vandalism at the site has significantly decreased.
“I think people always prefer to have some beautiful artwork instead of graffiti,” Schmuck said.
The mural was funded by a grant from Ron and Betty Otke. Steve Milroy – of Steve Milroy’s Wonderworks – was the amazing artist who created the mural.
Over 5 garbage cans full of greenery were removed and taken to the Saanich Yard for composting.
Bartlett also encouraged residents to attend the Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association’s annual general meeting on May 26th at 7pm at the Cedar Hill Rec Centre. District of Saanich planner Carl Purvis will be the featured speaker.
Volunteers participating are: C. Bartlett, K. Bartlett, B. Harmston, R. Harmston, and J. Schmuck.
