RideCK has unveiled a new bus wrap showcasing the history of Chatham-Kent and its many landmarks.
The bus features nearly 30 different references to the region including a portrait of Rev. Josiah Henson by local artist Mariah Alexander, an image of Mary Ann Shadd, seen on the new Canada Post stamp, as well as the Tecumseh Parkway statue.
Residents will also notice images of classic cars, crows, barn quilts, farm fields, and even a Hawaiian Pizza.
According to Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff, this bus will be the first of many "mobile murals."
"This bus was designed as a moving piece of art, literally and figuratively," said Canniff. “We wanted to encapsulate something from every Ward, things from Chatham-Kent’s past, present and future. We want people to see this bus out and about and be reminded of how awesome it is live in CK.”
The bus, which was designed and sponsored by Impact Graphics, comes at no cost to taxpayers.
"Every time we put something out in the public that brings a smile or makes you feel good, that's what we want to do," said Canniff.
The idea is to eventually get the entire fleet of buses covered in a wrap. According to Canniff, the municipality will also look at other municipal vehicles that could potentially be wrapped as well.
"We want to open it up to the public and go from there," said Canniff. "We start to find the champions to run with it, start finding sponsors willing to step up and put their name and pay for it."
A date has not been set, but the bus is expected to make its debut on the streets of Chatham-Kent soon.