Authorization to Release Section 45 Funds and Agreement with STEPS Public Art to Advance Utility Box and Picnic Bench Beautification in Liberty Village - by Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, seconded by Councillor Gord Perks

Some utility boxes have been painted in the Liberty Village neighbourhood and surrounding area, through the Street Art program in advance of the FIFA World Cup. In early 2026, engagement with the Box Murals Program and a local neighbourhood artist commenced, with a proposal for further utility box painting in Liberty Village, specifically on Bell boxes. Unfortunately, this organization went on hiatus as conversations continued. Subsequent venues for commissioning of public art on utility boxes and on picnic benches in Liberty Village Park were explored through multiple partners including the City's Street Art team, the Liberty Village BIA, who lacked capacity to complete the work in the 2026 season, as well as STEPS Public Art. This motion seeks to confirm and secure STEPS Public Art as the lead organization for leading artist calls to beautify the local community through public art on Bell utility boxes and prominent picnic benches in Liberty Village Park, to be completed in Fall 2026.

2. City Council direct that the $55,000.00 be forwarded to STEPS (Sustainable Thinking and Expression on Public Space) Public Art, subject to STEPS Public Art signing an Undertaking governing the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.