The Lonsdale Quay South Plaza fountain will be removed starting September 25 in a two-phased approach. The associated public artwork—“White Winds” sculpture—will be carefully removed with every effort made to repurpose it on-site while the “Beyond the Fountain” mosaic tilework has been photo documented for archival purposes.
In a press release, City of North Vancouver said the 37-year old fountain has been out of commission since 2020 due to a full mechanical failure and safety considerations. While the artwork is still in good condition, retrofitting the fountain to current safety, health and environmental standards is cost prohibitive. As such, City Council endorsed the removal in April 2023.
“We thank artist Bruce Walther for the beautiful tilework and the family of White Winds artist Gerald Gladstone for artwork that has delighted so many over the past two decades it has been in Lower Lonsdale,” CNV said.
Structure removal and future site plan
Quay North Urban Development will begin the work to remove the fountain on Monday, September 25, 2023 with a two-phased approach: Phase 1 will be the removal of the fountain and placement of temporary asphalt to cover the area. This is expected to be complete in less than two weeks. Phase 2 will be the full demolition and installation of cast-in-place concrete and will take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete.
The area will then be expanded to include seating, with future programming and the final design elements to be finalized in 2024 in collaboration with Lonsdale Quay and the City.
About the Artwork
“White Winds” Gerald Gladstone (1985) The white metal sculptures at the centre of the fountain represent sail forms celebrating recreational boating in Burrard Inlet and waterways beyond. The artist Gerald Gladstone (1929- 2005) was a prominent Canadian sculptor who left a legacy of public art works in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
“Beyond the Fountain” Bruce Walther (2001) The ocean and city-themed mosaic featured in the fountain basin was the result of a Studio in the City youth employment project led by mosaic artist Bruce Walther. As part of that program, local youth worked with the artist to design and install the colourful mosaic. Bruce Walther is a glass and mosaic artist who has lived and worked in Vancouver for over 25 years.
This is such nonsense! NVC spends millions on bike lanes, Pedestrian Bulges and many other projects. To say that $300,000 to upgrade and keep a beautiful fountain is too much is just wrong-headed thinking on the part of Council and Mayor. How much will it cost to remove it? I expect that cost isn’t small, so what’s the actual difference in cost between keeping it and removing it? Again, our City Staffers, Mayor and Council are completely out of touch with the wishes of the public. Once again, bad decisions with no vote from the public.
Agreed. Keep the fountain. What a waste of a lovely feature.
I was one of the youth employed on that project 20 years ago. This project was lead by Bruce Walther but there is no mention or consideration of any of the stories of the young artists that contributed to this mosaic project. For many of us it was our first step in professional art careers and a priceless experience in our journeys. Such a shame that for all of us that worked on the fountain every time we pass through the Lonsdale Quay we will remember that part of our mark on this world was destroyed. It took 12 of us four months to design, create and install the mosaic and no attempt has been made by the quay to salvage and preserve any of the sections of this artwork.