Painted Poles

Anonymous

The story of Fernwood’s iconic telephone poles is a story about the tension between safety and placemaking.

The tradition began in 2008, with a local artist and activist, Beth Threfall. Inspired by the ‘intersection repair’ movement, which used pubic are to foster community and a sense of place, she started painting the poles in Fernwood. The small project grew into the annual Pole Painting Day, with free paint salvaged from the Hartland Landfill.

After 11 years, BC Hydro issued a province-wide ban on painted telephone poles, citing safety concerns - painted poles were more prone to rot and made it harder for workers to assess damage.