Today, Partners Community Health (PCH) hosted residents, families, volunteers, staff and community partners to celebrate the unveiling of Roots & Wings, a new community mural at Wellbrook Place, created by local artist Meegan Lim. The event connects to Wellbrook Place’s second anniversary, adding special meaning to this vibrant and identity-rich addition to the home.
“This mural is part of our ongoing work to make Wellbrook Place warm, welcoming and connected to resident and family home life,” says Tess Romain, President & CEO, PCH. “It reminds everyone that connection lives in shared spaces, in the way we greet one another and the pride we take in this community.”
Commissioned through a community call for artists in partnership with Visual Arts Mississauga (VAM), PCH received 22 submissions from artists across the Greater Toronto Area, with two finalists shortlisted. The final design was selected through a community vote with over 250 participants including residents, families, and staff, ensuring that the artwork truly reflects the voices of the Wellbrook Place community.
The unveiling event featured remarks from several members of the Wellbrook Place community and partner organizations. Shaun Dias, Director of Communications and Public Relations, opened the event and welcomed attendees. Tess Romain, President & CEO of Partners Community Health, reflected on the meaning of the mural and its connection to Wellbrook Place’s anniversary. Nasrin Gilbert, Executive Director of Visual Arts Mississauga, spoke about the artist selection process and the value of community collaboration. Noel Lewis, President of the Wellbrook Place East Resident Council, shared a resident perspective on the significance of the artwork, followed by artist Meegan Lim, who offered insight into her inspiration and creative process.
“It was an absolute joy to collaborate on this project.” said Nasrin Gilbert, Executive Director, Visual Arts Mississauga. “This mural is not just about decoration, but it’s truly an expression of celebration of the different voices and values of the Wellbrook Place Family.”
The newly unveiled mural features a lively courtyard scene inspired by floral and faunal elements that represent both long-term care homes at Wellbrook Place — birds symbolizing Wellbrook Place East and trees and flowers symbolizing Wellbrook Place West. These natural motifs flow throughout the mural, capturing the warmth, movement, and daily interactions that make Wellbrook Place feel like home.
“Roots & Wings speaks to the balance between stability and possibility, being grounded while still growing, imagining and moving forward,” says Meegan Lim, Community Artist. “I hope this piece brings a sense of calm, colour, familiarity, inspiration, and comfort to everyone who spends there time here, whether you are staff, visitor, resident, family member – it’s been an honour to create this art for this special place.”
A heartfelt thank you goes to Meegan for bringing this project to life through her thoughtful vision and beautiful representation of the Wellbrook Place community.
“This mural reflects who we are as a community,” says Deslyn Willock, Director of Long-Term Care Operations, Quality & Risk, PCH. “It captures the identities of our residents, their connections and the spirit that makes Wellbrook Place feel like home.”
Following the mural unveiling, guests were invited to come up and view the artwork and take photos.
The mural is now on permanent display along the Gift Shop wall in Wellbrook Place Hall, across the main entrance. This project marks the first step in an ongoing beautification initiative at Wellbrook Place, with more coming soon.
