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Ladysmith, BC — If you've taken a stroll down 1st Avenue lately, you've likely noticed the beautiful banners hanging above you.
Created by local artist Natasha Bartlett, these stunning new banners—which will grace 1st Avenue for the next year—are the winning designs from the Town's 2026 Community Banner Program. As the winner of this year's program, Bartlett received an honorarium of $1,500.
"I was excited and surprised to hear that my banners were selected. It is a privilege. I love designing, and to be able to share my creation with the community is amazing. It is an honour," says Bartlett, who is also the 2025 Community Banner Program winner.
Titled A Bright Future, Bartlett's two-sided banner design celebrates Ladysmith's unique identity while looking ahead with optimism.
The daytime banner features soft coastal colours, layered hills, a vibrant waterfront, local businesses, sailboats, and the community's iconic Festival of Lights, reflecting the traditions and connections that have shaped Ladysmith through the seasons. A winding shoreline path symbolizes the community's journey toward an exciting future while remaining grounded in its rich history and strong sense of belonging.
The reverse, A Bright Future (Night), transforms the scene beneath a crescent moon, where illuminated homes and shimmering harbour waters evoke opportunity, prosperity, and hope. The design envisions a future built on thoughtful growth, environmental stewardship, and a continued appreciation for Ladysmith's natural beauty and close-knit community spirit.
This year's theme, A Future Imagined, asked artists to reflect on the question: "In a time of change, what do you envision for the future of the Town of Ladysmith?" Bartlett's designs were selected for their compelling interpretation of the theme, capturing both the character of Ladysmith today and the community's aspirations for tomorrow.
“I love sharing art that asks questions and encourages the community to ask questions. With the theme being A Future Imagined, I thought it was a great chance for us to take stock of what Ladysmith is today—its small-town charm, its potential—and also look ahead to what the future could look like. I don’t have the answers, but I hope the night portion of the banner helps inspire people to ask that question,” Bartlett says about her design.
The 2026 Community Banner Program received a record-breaking 14 submissions from 14 artists—the highest participation in the program's history. All entries were submitted by the January 31, 2026 deadline and evaluated through a blind adjudication process, allowing each design to be assessed by the Town's Public Art Committee solely on its artistic merit.
"We received a record number of submissions this year, and the quality of the designs was exceptional, which made selecting just one winner incredibly challenging. Ultimately, through the blind adjudication process, the Selection Committee determined that Natasha Bartlett’s design best reflects Ladysmith and captures the spirit of this year’s theme,” says Don Stewart, the Town’s Arts, Culture and Events Coordinator.
A total of approximately 160 banners are displayed throughout Ladysmith's downtown core, Transfer Beach Boulevard, and 4th Avenue. Each banner remains on display for two years, appearing on 1st Avenue during its first year before moving to Transfer Beach Boulevard and 4th Avenue in its second year.
The Town thanks all those who participated in this year’s contest. Related Media Natasha Bartlett is this year's Community Banner Program winner. (Town of Ladysmith) Natasha Bartlett stands under her banners on 1st Avenue. (Town of Ladysmith)
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Media Contact Nicholas Pescod Communications & Engagement Specialist npescod@ladysmith.ca 250-268-0606
The Town of Ladysmith respectfully acknowledges that we gather and work on the unceded territory of the Stz'uminus First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.