City unveils Commercial Street bollards featuring artwork by the late Joel Good

New bollard design integrates Snuneymuxw art into urban landscape through civic infrastructure

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 19, 2025 9:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo is proud to unveil a series of decorative bollards featuring artwork by the late Joel Good of Ay Lelum – The Good House of Design. Joel Good was a world-renowned Snuneymuxw Master Carver and Artist who played a critical role in the Coast Salish Art Revitalization Movement. These meaningful additions to Commercial Street honour Snuneymuxw and the land, enhancing the downtown experience through powerful art and thoughtful urban design.

Created as part of ongoing upgrades to Commercial Street and developed through the City’s Urban Design Roster program, the new bollards feature Good family Steelikim or Sea Serpent designs in the traditional Coast Salish style. These supernatural beings, believed to offer power and protection, coil gracefully down the length of each bollard. The designs bring strength, beauty and storytelling to the streetscape, enriching the area’s cultural and visual identity.

Joel Good’s artwork, developed alongside his family and Ay Lelum, honours traditional Coast Salish art as taught by their father, the late Dr. William Good. The inclusion of his design in a permanent public setting is a lasting tribute to Joel’s artistic legacy and a gift to the people of Nanaimo. Although this was the last unreleased project that Joel worked on with the City of Nanaimo before he passed away, his family have taken the care to complete this project with the City of Nanaimo and are dedicated to carrying on his legacy that will live on through his art.

The new bollards can be seen along Commercial Street, offering both residents and visitors a powerful opportunity to experience Coast Salish art woven into the fabric of our city.

Ay Lelum – the Good House of Design and their designs can be found on www.aylelum.com and @aylelum, or by contacting Aunalee Boyd-Good at info@aylelum.com

Link to Strategic Plan: Aligns with the goals of the City of Nanaimo’s City Plan by facilitating opportunities for the public to encounter art and culture in public spaces throughout the city and as part of their daily experiences.

Key Points

The City of Nanaimo is proud to unveil a series of decorative bollards featuring artwork by the late Joel Good of Ay Lelum – The Good House of Design, a world-renowned Snuneymuxw Master Carver and Artist who played a critical role in the Coast Salish Art Revitalization Movement.
Created as part of ongoing upgrades to Commercial Street and developed through the City’s Urban Design Roster program, the new bollards feature Good family Steelikim or Sea Serpent designs in the traditional Coast Salish style.
The new bollards can be seen along Commercial Street, offering both residents and visitors a powerful opportunity to experience Coast Salish art woven into the fabric of our city.

Quotes

"Joel Good carried forward the teachings of our Ancestors through his powerful art. We are thankful for his tremendous gift and the strength it provides. This lasting tribute to the land and its people enriches our community. We are grateful that more of Joel’s work can be experienced by all who visit our sacred territory."

Michael Wyse

Chief

Snuneymuxw First Nation

"Joel Good’s artistry has left a profound mark on Nanaimo. These beautifully designed bollards not only honour his legacy but weave Snuneymuxw culture into the heart of our city. They are a meaningful reminder of the stories and traditions that shape our community and enrich our shared spaces."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo