Victoria council has agreed to issue a heritage alteration permit that will allow a large mural that overlooks the patio at Darcy’s Pub to remain.
The mural was to have been removed permanently last August when an agreement signed in 2019 allowing it to stay for five years ended, but the pub’s owners appealed to allow it to remain indefinitely.
“The mural is a commemorative piece that acknowledges the presence of the service industry in Old Town over a long period of time, as well as representing contemporary youth culture,” Darcy’s Rob Hampton wrote in an application to council.
Hampton said he knew of no complaints about the painting, adding many tourists stop to take pictures of it.
“This mural is not offensive in any way, has not deteriorated, and [is] not intrusive to anyone,” he wrote.
“As far as I know, the City of Victoria is taking measures and steps to revitalize the downtown core, including Bastion Square. I believe that removing the fun and beautiful mural from the area would be dramatically taking steps in the opposite direction.”
A city staff report that recommended the permit be issued noted that while the mural does not reflect the building’s initial use as a warehouse for businessman R.P. Rithet, it does recognize its commercial and entertainment use and its contribution to Old Town’s service industry.
The building has been home to nightclubs and restaurants since 1972.
“Further, the scaled back version of the mural no longer interferes with significant character-defining elements of the building nor detracts from the prominence of the architecture,” it said.
The mural was modified in 2021 to reduce its size and remove branding.
The staff report said because the changes were made to satisfy sign bylaw and heritage policies and the mural is still in good condition, the application was supportable.
