New public art is coming to Thickson Road, between Dundas Street and Nichol Avenue. Three art design proposals have been shortlisted by a jury for community input - and we want to know what you think!

This new public art is an integral part of the Town's broader placemaking initiative. Project funding was approved by Council in 2022 and does not impact the 2025 Budget. The goal: to beautify the area and strengthen the identity of this key gateway into Whitby. A variety of commercial establishments, including the Whitby Mall, restaurants, fast-food outlets, grocery stores, retail shops, and service-oriented businesses call this stretch of Thickson Road home, and approximately 22,000 vehicles pass daily.

Have Your Say

Between now and January 31 (2025), watch videos submitted by the three shortlisted artists explaining their art design and complete a short survey to let us know what you think!

Artwork Descriptions

Blossoms - honours Whitby’s strong ties to Lake Ontario, featuring a vibrant floral installation along Thickson Road, a historic route to the waterfront. The art display pays an homage to the town’s natural beauty and lakeside heritage, offering space for reflection, community connection and for the residents of Whitby to appreciate blossoms in bloom year round.

Flow - A dynamic series of anamorphic sculptures designed to reflect both the movement of traffic
along Thickson Road and Whitby’s natural and urban landscapes. The artwork transitions visually
from a continuous wave for drivers into intricate, interconnected elements for pedestrians,
symbolizing the unity of the community while celebrating the surrounding conservation areas and
rivers.

Flutter - Will transform Thickson Road with four monumental sculptures featuring dynamic clusters
of monarch butterflies, crafted from corten and stainless steel. Hovering between realism and
abstraction, the sculptures celebrate themes of transformation and renewal while capturing
Whitby’s evolving identity and exploring the harmony between nature and urban life.

Next Steps

Survey results will be shared with the three artists for final design revisions and provided to the jury panel to assist in making the final selection. The winning design will be awarded by the end of March with the new public art expected to be installed later in the year.

More Information

Interested in learning about Public Art in Whitby? Visit our Public Art Webpage to view recent projects and our Art Trail.