Heart Selfie Station Makes a 'Splash' on Public Breakwater

Type(s)
News Release

Installation Generously Donated by Teresa Lee of the Moby Dick Inn, and Terena Stegavig of Rupert Disposal

PRINCE RUPERT, AUGUST 1st, 2024 – If you have taken a stroll down the waterfront promenade in Cow Bay, you may have noticed a cheerful new addition to the City’s public breakwater. An aluminum fabricated heart installation has been placed on the breakwater to let locals and visitors alike celebrate why they love Prince Rupert by snapping a photo in the heart. This project was the joint creative project of Teresa Lee and Terena Stegavig, who were inspired by similar installations they saw overseas. With the support of the crew from Progressive Steel, the fabricated heart was installed mid-July.

 “Teresa and I got to chatting and she mentioned seeing something similar that was done in Australia so we decided to work together to make it happen,” said Terena Stegavig. “I’ve lived here my whole life. I’m not going anywhere, and I do what I can to make Prince Rupert better because I love it here.” 

“If everyone does one thing to make the community beautiful, look what we can do,” said Teresa Lee, owner of the Moby Dick Inn and Parkside Motel. 

The heart was fabricated and painted by Progressive Steel Industries Ltd.  Following some coordination with the City around and the appropriate location, the breakwater was selected as a central community site for the piece.

“This project is a great addition to the breakwater and show of community spirit from two of our dedicated residents,” said Acting Mayor Barry Cunningham. “We’re very grateful for the donation from Terena Stegavig at Rupert Disposal and Teresa Lee from the Moby Dick Inn, and look forward to seeing all of the fun community photos to come.”

Both women are life-long residents invested in brightening up Prince Rupert. Teresa is the owner of the Moby Dick, among other properties, and has invested significantly in the murals on her property as well as the addition of a few goats that tend to the gardens fronting her property and also delight any ‘kids’ (pun intended) walking by. Terena is the owner of Rupert Disposal, and alongside substantial fundraising via her work on the board of the Prince Rupert Rampage for the local hospital, she is also responsible for the cheerful rain-inspired messages you see on local waste bins. 

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Veronika Stewart, Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development
Office: (250) 627 0976
Cell: (778) 884 6285
Email: veronika.stewart@princerupert.ca