DUNNVILLE—A new mural at Edgewater Gardens reflects the journey of life, adding beauty and interest for Edgewater’s residents and the greater Dunnville community.
Entitled ‘The Journey,’ the mural was a project of the Edgewater Gardens Family Council (EWGFC) brought to life by local artists Gina Wilson-McIntee and Frannie Porter. The brightly coloured imagery – from rising sun to glistening stars – is shown across three sections of exterior wall facing Lock Street.
EWGFC member Dorothy Booker met with Wilson-McIntee while she was working on another mural at A&W in 2025.
—Submitted photo.
“We talked briefly and I suggested perhaps a mural could be painted at Edgewater,” Booker said. She brought the idea to Sharon Moore, then-CEO of Edgewater and Haldimand War Memorial Hospital, and Greg Allen, Administrator of Edgewater.
“The timing was perfect,” Booker recalled, noting plans were already in place for a mural at the hospital. That mural, called ‘Where Hearts and Healing Meet,’ was completed last fall.
“Gina and friends have painted many murals around Dunnville, so there was no question: Gina would be our choice to paint the mural (at Edgewater),” continued Booker.
There was one skill, however, that Wilson-McIntee needed to acquire for the Edgewater Gardens mural: how to operate a scissor lift. After receiving the necessary training, work on mural began on May 29, 2026.
The process was an efficient team effort. Booker explained, “Gina and Frannie painted five days in scorching heat and were able to complete the masterpiece in seven and a half days…. Using the scissor lift required spotters on the ground at all times and, thankfully, friends (and) EWGFC members were able to provide coverage every day.”
Booker said that inspiration for the mural “was the residents of Edgewater who journey through their life to end their days in long term care…. Every day is a journey of the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. Walking through life is our journey.”
Wilson-McIntee took input from the residents, staff, and family members in her design. Booker surveyed interested parties for their favourite animals and plants, which included eagles, butterflies, roses, and, of course, mudcats.
“These favourites are what you see in the artwork,” Booker said.
While ‘The Journey’ beautifully enhances the exterior, it also represents connection to the community: “The stars with names of loved ones who passed at Edgewater ties our mural with the A&W mural,” Booker explained. “The colours and animals in our mural tie it to the hospital mural and the bird bin.”
During the unveiling on July 21, 2026, Shari Booker, President of EWGFC, spoke of the efforts of the family council to facilitate such projects. She said, “These projects come about because someone has a brainwave in the community. They come to us and, somehow, we make it happen.”
Allen is grateful that they made the mural happen.
“Thanks to the Family Council for donating the mural and the residents for their input into the mural,” he said. “I hope this is here for years to come for people to enjoy and look at.”
Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley added, “Thank you to Gina and Frannie for the gift in painting Haldimand County. They take peoples’ visions and bring it to life. Thanks to the EWGFC for bringing this to life so the residents of Edgewater can enjoy this for many years to come.”
Brodi Levitt shared a statement on behalf of MPP Bobbi Ann Brady.
“What makes this mural … special is that it truly belongs to this community. Residents, staff, and family members each helped shape it,” he read. “Their memories, their stories, and their love of nature are now woven into this artwork, making it far more than just a mural – it is a reflection of the people who call Edgewater home and it truly helps make this facility more than a facility but more like a ‘home.’”
The residents themselves think highly of this unique work of art.
Reta B. said, “They put a lot of work into it,” while Michael M. said, “It looks good and I like it.”
Maxine B. added, “I watched it become real in sections. Now that it’s done, I think it’s lovely.”
For those sharing the residents’ enthusiasm, a draw for the 36×24” artwork Wilson-McIntee prepared as a sample of mural will be held at Edgewater Gardens Family Day on September 13. Tickets ($5 each or three for $10) are available from any EWGFC member or by emailing dorothybooker@hotmail.com.
“Who knows what our next project might be,” Booker said. “This (mural) is Family Council’s biggest project over the last five years. It’s a legacy project for us. It will remain when we may no longer be in existence as a council.”
She noted that it was through “many hours of volunteer time from a small but dedicated group of residents’ family members holding fundraisers” that EWGFC was able “to take on this major project for the community to enjoy. It really is our pleasure as a family council to dedicate this fantastic mural to the residents of Edgewater Gardens!”
