Some call it Canim Falls, and to others, it's Canim-Mahood Falls, but whatever the name, the twin falls that lie between Canim and Mahood lakes are a spectacular sight and the subject of the newest mural produced by the 100 Mile House Mural Society.
Painted by Williams Lake artist Dwayne Davis in early July, the large four- by 11-metre image captures the power and beauty of this popular landmark.
It's located on the west side of Birch Avenue, near Fourth Street and is around the corner from the other mural scenes that reflect the Canim Lake community.
Mural society vice-president Donna Nivison says it ties in nicely with the theme while being such a recognizable and well-visited site.
"The falls are really a visual highlight of the area that's enjoyed by many."
The mural is definitely an eye catcher as people wind their way down Birch Avenue and Nivison says she hopes it will help people connect with other murals in the downtown area.
"People say it looks like water is just tumbling out of there and it brings a little bit of Canim Falls to 100 Mile House. I'm hoping people will look at it and go see some of the other murals."
Canim Falls is the 11th mural to be completed by the society.
The first ones were painted simultaneously in 2006, with one depicting the life of South Cariboo pioneer Edward Higgins and the other tells the story of John and Oliver Jeffereys who drove thousands of head of long-horn cattle from Arkansas to the Cariboo and then operated the 100 Mile Roadhouse.
Nivison says the Canim mural cost several thousand dollars, and as with all murals, the price tag reflects the degree of detail, size, cost of supplies, texture of the painting surface and the artist's fee.
A number of cash donations from businesses and private individuals funded the mural, but Nivison says there is still $700 outstanding. The society maintains a donation can, which makes its rounds among different businesses, and she asks people to keep an eye out for it and welcomes requests from businesses to have it on their premises.
Anyone who would like to make a donation can call Nivison at 250-791-6497 or Ruth Peterson at 250-395-4881. Donations can also be mailed to 100 Mile House Mural Society, 6221 Aalton Rd., 100 Mile House, B.C., V0K 2E3.
It takes several years to bring a mural from the idea stage to completion, Nivison says, adding the society has a few irons in the fire for future murals.
For more on the murals, visit the society website at www.100milemurals.com or their Facebook page that features a map of mural locations.
