A description of Chemainus (just one of the sights Althea and I visited on our Vancouver Island get-a-way)~~~~~~ Protected by the ocean and mountains Made world famous by our outdoor gallery of murals Made world famous by sinking a Boeing 737 for scuba divers Yet so quaint and quiet you will not want to leave. Enlightened by our culturally rich history. Enchanted by our beauty and warmth. Enthralled by our superb live theatre. Delighted by our diverse dining options. Invigorated by our variety of recreational options There is something for everyone. I borrowed from the Internet, of course. The writer did not lie.
Althea, of course, had been to Chemainus before. She told me I would love it and I did. A most imaginative town, I learned that it had a strong will to survive. After the announcement in 1982 that the major employer in this one industry town, the mill was going to close the coastal community of Chemainus got busy.
Without waiting to hear if the mill would reopen, residents rallied to hold on to the roots they had established here. They beautified the central core. But more was to come. With the remarkable energy and creative vision of resident and businessman Karl Schutz a group of volunteers, and the committed support of the then mayor Graham Bruce and the municipal council, the Festival of Murals Society was born. The downtown was revitalized and introduced to outdoor art gallery of murals. The first town to do this and indeed Chemainus became an example to the world as to how grow tourism via the art of murals. From just five wall murals and lots of spirit in the summer of 1981, Chemainus has struggled, grown and succeeded in literally putting itself on the map.
I can think of some other towns that could use this kind of creativity. Now onto see some Goats on a Roof. Althea is a good tour guide.
I can think of some other towns that could use this kind of creativity. Now onto see some Goats on a Roof. Althea is a good tour guide.
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