It’s already the most prominent part of Selkirk’s skyline, but the Manitoba city’s mayor is hoping to make the iconic water tower stand out even more.
Selkirk is putting out a request for proposals to give the water tower a facelift and is calling on local artists to submit their design ideas.
“It’s a real landmark for us. It’s iconic. It’s been used in a lot of movies, it’s been used in a lot of series that have been shot out here,” said Mayor Larry Johannson.
“It’s still very functional. We use it, and it’s a valuable asset for the community, however it’s showing a bit of wear and tear.
“We decided this year we’re going to put money in the budget and we’re going to spruce it up.”
The tower — built in 1961 to replace a previous structure that was erected in the early 1900s — stands about 40 metres tall and has a maximum capacity of 946,000 litres of water.
“In Selkirk, whenever we’re doing a project, whenever we’re looking at a development, something that’s for the community … we always involve the community, and it’s going to be no different on this project,” said Johannson.
“This is something that could speak volumes to Selkrik’s past.
“We’ve had a strong fishing community here … the steel industry here is very strong also, that’s been the backbone of our community. We have a lot of good partnerships with the Indigenous (people), and maybe something to the future.”
Artists have until March 25 to submit their design ideas via the City of Selkirk’s website.