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(Image Credit: Susan McNeil/paNOW)
Unanimous decision

City Hall mural to come down after decades on Prince Albert landmark building

Jul 6, 2026 | 5:26 PM

Prince Albert city council has approved removing a deteriorating mural from City Hall after staff said the artwork can no longer be restored in a cost-effective way. 

The mural, painted in 1998 by Huang Zhong-Ru in memory of local dentist Dr. Ed Gaudet, has been monitored since the city adopted its public art policy in 2016. A 2024 condition assessment found extensive paint flaking, paint loss and fading caused by weather and sunlight. 

Judy MacLeod Campbell told council the mural has reached the end of its lifespan. 

“Based on these assessments, restoration is no longer considered a viable or cost-effective option,” MacLeod Campbell said. “The mural has reached the end of its serviceable life, and its removal is consistent with the city’s public art policy and our responsibility to manage public assets appropriately.” 

The removal is expected to cost $8,694 and will be paid through the Public Art Reserve Fund. Work is expected to take place later this summer. 

Administration recommended using a DOFF steam cleaning system, which uses superheated water at low pressure to remove paint while reducing the risk of damage to the Tyndall stone on the historic building. 

“The recommended method is considered both effective and appropriate for the preservation of the building’s historic facade,” MacLeod Campbell said. 

Coun. Dawn Kilmer praised the report and asked whether the contractor could also clean other parts of the building while the equipment is on site and thanks MacLeod Campbell for her comprehensive report.  

“Communicating well with the families, doing the research that’s necessary, and giving that to us so that the decision is quite easy,” Kilmer said. 

General exterior cleaning of City Hall is a separate process and is budgeted every couple of years. The last full exterior cleaning cost about $10,000. 

The Gaudet family has been consulted and supports removing the mural.

The Prince Albert Historical Society also provided archival information about the mural, while the Public Art Working Group unanimously supported removing it based on its condition. 

No replacement mural is being proposed for City Hall. MacLeod Campbell said any future public art at the site would include public consultation. 

Council approved the recommendation unanimously without further debate during their executive committee meeting Monday afternoon.

susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com