Busy beavers: New ultra-Canadian Edmonton art part of program to deter graffiti near Whyte Ave
Posted August 13, 2025 4:23 pm.
Last Updated August 13, 2025 6:29 pm.
A new ultra-Canadian artwork is sprucing up the Spur Line Alley, in Edmonton’s Whyte Avenue.
Commissioned by the Old Strathcona Business Association (OSBA), the new mural by Sonic 102.9 radio host Lauren Hunter is part of the program meant to deter graffiti and vandalism. Sonic is owned by Rogers Media, the parent company of CityNews.
“You’ve got the Canada flag, you’ve got maple syrup, you’ve got the no geese sign, we figured even though geese are Canadian, the beavers wouldn’t want them in the way,” says Lauren Hunter.
The mural has several easter eggs and symbolism that are a nod to Edmonton and Alberta and took over two months to complete. It is painted with acrylic on three canvases and is mounted to the wall on the side of Richards Block, a 115-year-old heritage building.
“This piece of art is installed on panels, that is by design, to protect the historical building, so we had to be very careful with those facades. And that also makes this type of building very susceptible to increased costs when it comes to graffiti or tagging,” says Andrea Donini, OSBA’s interim executive director
Hunter’s previous work on Canadian themes like the Ryan Reynold’s portrait with the beaver and her elaborate Magpie costume for Halloween last year has brought the community together in several ways.
Speaking about her inspiration on this one, she says, “The inspiration is, I think we are all feeling the love for Canada these days, with the current climate of tariffs and everything going on, we just wanted to celebrate Canada in all its’ glory.”
The business association is also hoping the mural and new painted walkway will encourage more foot traffic to the growing number of businesses in back alleys.
