FILE PHOTO - Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian poses for a photo wearing the chain of office. It was stolen from Kamloops city hall in September 2021, and the city aims to replace it.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Kamloops RCMP
March 22, 2022 - 3:52 PM
The City of Kamloops is calling on residents to design a new mayor's chain of office.
The historic chain was stolen from city hall during a break-in last year and hasn't been found, and the city now aims to have a new one ready in time for its next mayor.
“We see the unfortunate theft of the last chain of office as an opportunity to involve the community in reimagining the new chain’s imagery and symbolism with fresh perspective,” recreation, social development and culture manager Barb Berger said in a news release issued today, March 22.
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In a tradition that dates back centuries to renaissance France, chains of office often carry symbols reflective of the community or organization it's named for.
The stolen Kamloops chain, typically worn at ceremonial events, had the coat of arms for the city and the province, along with names of previous mayors engraved to it.
This chain is one of two named for the city.
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The second chain was presented by the province in 1967 to mark the amalgamation of North Kamloops and it's held at the Kamloops Museum and Archives.
An artist with the winning design will be paid up to $3,500 and the city added if the final design is drawn from several artists, smaller prize amounts would be awarded.
The city is encouraging creative designs that could incorporate other elements, like reflecting the relationship with Tk'emlups te Secwepemc.
“A custom-made chain of office is revered as an important piece of public history, and it should reflect the values and priorities of our community," Berger said.
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Artists must submit their design by 4 p.m., April 22, with detailed specifications that explain the significance of the symbols. The submissions are to be mailed to the attention of Crystal Gelineau, executive assistant to mayor and council, City Hall, 7 Victoria Street West, Kamloops, B.C., V2C 1A2.
Once all submissions are judged and reduced to a short-list, city council will make the final decision on the future design.
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