Port Coquitlam, B.C. - Sept. 27, 2023... People strolling or cycling Donald Pathway in central Port Coquitlam can now enjoy the inspiring illustrated story of a lovable young tugboat named Little Tug.
Installed on eight panels between Elks Park and Wilson Avenue, A Little Tug in the Right Direction is the third edition of the Donald Storywalk, an annual collaboration between the City and Terry Fox Library.
This year's panels feature Laura Collini's winning story from the 2023 May Days Flash Fiction contest. Illustrations by Kirstin Hepburn capture the local setting and lovable characters with colour and detail. Both are Port Coquitlam residents.
"This project is one of my favourites because it incorporates so much of what Port Coquitlam is about: healthy lifestyles, family-friendly fun and high-quality outdoor amenities," Mayor Brad West said. "I encourage everyone to check out the latest Donald Storywalk when you're out in the community this fall. People of all ages can appreciate this endearing story set in Port Coquitlam, and the vivid artwork that brings the scenery and characters to life."
In A Little Tug in the Right Direction, Little Tug is determined to prove herself worthy of the tugboat fleet working the waterways in and around Port Coquitlam. The story was inspired by one of the author's favourite walks - along the Fraser River at Citadel Landing, where she often sees tugboats sailing by Douglas Island.
"I wrote most of it in the Terry Fox Library, which is a really wonderful place to write and work in," said Collini, a script supervisor in the film industry. "I believe that everyone has an interesting story to tell and the hardest part is actually writing it down. It's contests like these that are a great way to get you started."
Collini's job involves reading scripts but not writing them. She hadn't written a story since high school a number of years ago. She entered the May Days Flash Fiction Contest for the first time this year as a way to start writing again.
"I was absolutely thrilled to find out I won. It really meant a lot. It has given me the confidence to start writing other stories," said Collini, who has lived in Port Coquitlam since 2015. "It has been a great way to get involved in the community and appreciate what Port Coquitlam has to offer."
Also a Port Coquitlam resident, Kirstin Hepburn has illustrated two children's books and loves creating whimsical characters and worlds through digital illustration.
"It was such an honour to bring this charming story to life through the illustrations. I hope kids and adults alike will enjoy the delightful story of the Little Tug, and will try to spot all the different local plants and animals on each panel," Hepburn said. "From the beaver and salmon to the osprey and heron, I've tried to represent the ecological diversity of the tidal wetland habitat that we can enjoy, and work to protect, here in Port Coquitlam."
The eight panels have been designed with accessibility in mind, including colour and font choices, and links to an audio recording of the story at portcoquitlam.ca/storywalk.
"Each year's new Donald Storywalk brings fresh art into our public realm while also promoting literacy in an outdoor setting," said Cllr. Nancy McCurrach, Council's designate for arts and culture. "It's wonderful to see different aspects of our community depicted on the panels each year, and this year's installment is extra special because both the writer and illustrator live in Port Coquitlam."
The installation of the new Donald Storywalk dovetails with this year's Port Coquitlam's Culture Days activities. Running from Sept. 21 to Oct. 15, the annual celebration of arts and culture includes a variety of free activities, including art exhibitions and demos, performances, a watercolour battle, hands-on activities and more. More information can be found at portcoquitlam.ca/culturedays.
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Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]