Artist Selected for Fire Station No. 2 Redevelopment Public Art Project

News Release
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich is pleased to announce Luke Marston (Ts'uts'umutlhw) as the artist selected to create public artwork for the Fire Station No. 2 Redevelopment project. 

Marston is a member of the Stz'uminus (Chemainus) First Nation. Raised in a family of carvers, he learned history and culture from Simon Charlie and developed his talents in design, form and carving under Haida artist Robert Davidson. Luke worked for several years at Thunderbird Park at the Royal BC Museum alongside his brother, John Marston, and carvers Jonathan Henderson, Sean Whannock and Sean Karpes. His work is featured in private and public collections both nationally and worldwide, and his major public art commissions include the Canadian Government, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and Vancouver International Airport. One of his major sculptural works, Shore to Shore, can be found in Vancouver’s Stanley Park.

The project’s site-specific artwork will serve as an engaging landmark for the newly redeveloped fire station and the Royal Oak neighbourhood. Whether visiting the fire hall, waiting for a bus at the nearby transit interchange or simply passing by, the new artwork will offer an opportunity to experience and celebrate contemporary Coast Salish art. The proposed sculpture will incorporate traditional and contemporary elements that complement the building’s design and materials.

“I’m grateful to have been the artist chosen to create a public installation for the District of Saanich Fire Department,” artist Luke Marston shares. “I look forward to creating a strong symbol of strength and protection in the Coast Salish art form.”

The District’s Public Art Program enhances Saanich public spaces and contributes to community placemaking through the integration of public art within civic projects. In 2024, artists and artist teams from British Columbia were invited to submit applications through a two-stage selection process that involved a community selection jury comprised of artists, community members and project representatives. From a great number of impressive applications, Luke Marston’s proposal was chosen.

“We were thrilled with all the submissions, and it was difficult to pick just one,” said Michael Kaye, Saanich Fire Chief. “We are very excited to work with Luke — his proposal encompasses the essence of the project and the history of the community. It will be an enduring piece of art for the entire community to enjoy.”

The public art project will be developed over the coming 18 months and is slated for installation and unveiling at the official opening of the new fire station in Fall 2026.

Learn more
Find out more about the Fire Station No. 2 Redevelopment Public Art Project.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca