A growing group of Vancouver residents, artists, and public art supporters are rallying behind an online counter petition calling on the City of Vancouver to reverse its decision to cancel the reinstallation of Trans Am Rapture — formerly known as “Trans Am Totem” — at the southwest loop of the Granville Street Bridge.
The artwork — designed by local artists Marcus Bowcott and Helene Aspinall — was removed from its original Northeast False Creek location on Quebec Street’s median in Summer 2021 for much-needed cleaning and repairs, and to prepare the area for the 2022 Formula E race, which was ultimately cancelled.
At the time of the removal from the original location, the City had noted that the towering 33-ft-tall sculpture of five salvaged crushed cars perched on top of an old-growth cedar tree trunk would find a new permanent home elsewhere after the maintenance work on the installation is completed.
However, more than four years have passed, and efforts to reinstall the sculpture have faced repeated delays and now cancellation. Last week, the City abruptly reversed course on the new permanent location for the installation — effectively creating a prominent visual landmark for the grassy area in the bridge’s southwest loop, an informal green space. This cancellation follows complaints from local residents, who launched an online petition on June 27 opposing the installation — a petition that has garnered just under 260 signatures to date.
The site had been green-lighted by both the artists and City staff, and a concrete foundation was already being constructed for the 25,000 lb installation ahead of the previously scheduled completion and unveiling of the sculpture later this summer.
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Construction progress on the foundation for Trans Am Rapture at Granville Street Bridge’s southwest loop, as seen on June 19, 2025. (Kenneth Chan)
Construction progress on the foundation for Trans Am Rapture at Granville Street Bridge’s southwest loop, as seen on June 19, 2025. (Kenneth Chan)
Trans Am Rapture at its previous location on Quebec Street. (meunierd/Shutterstock)
The counter petitioners argue that opposition to this public art installation is rooted in NIMBYism, citing their objections that the piece is “edgy,” “too large,” or would “block views” and “attract birds.” But in response to earlier maintenance concerns at the previous Quebec Street location, the sculpture has since been refurbished with bird-proofing measures, including metal mesh to prevent nesting and damage — a request the artists say they had made years ago.
Supporters counter that the sculpture would not obstruct any significant views, is dwarfed by surrounding trees, and is located adjacent to a busy arterial road and bridge — a context they say is fitting for the artwork’s themes.
As well, the site is suitable as it is highly visible to pedestrians and cyclists on the newly built Granville Connector pathways on the west side of the Granville Street Bridge.
July 2025 final preparations for the rehabilitation of the Trans Am Rapture. (Marcus Bowcott)
July 2025 final preparations for the rehabilitation of the Trans Am Rapture. (Marcus Bowcott)
The counter petition calls on the City to honour its previous commitment and proceed with the planned installation at the location — emphasizing that public art should reflect a diversity of voices, challenge perspectives, and be accessible across neighbourhoods, regardless of perceived social or geographic divides.
“The site is an excellent context for the sculpture, and many in the community want it there,” reads the counter petition, which began on Aug. 2 and has already seen over 300 signatures at the time of writing.
“In revoking the site, City officials have said the sculpture is better suited to the ‘East Side’ rather than the ‘West Side’ of Vancouver. We disagree with this rationale for reversal. We see this piece as relevant to and beloved by residents in all parts of the city and that the current central location reflects this.”
Trans Am Rapture at its previous location on Quebec Street. (meunierd/Shutterstock)
Trans Am Rapture at its previous location on Quebec Street. (meunierd/Shutterstock)
When the Trans Am Rapture was first installed in 2015 at its original location, it was intended to be a temporary piece as part of the Vancouver Biennale’s 2014-2016 exhibition. It was made permanent in 2019 when lululemon founder Chip Wilson’s family donated US$250,000 for its retainment in Vancouver’s urban landscape.
The City stated last week that the completed concrete foundation intended for Trans Am Rapture will be repurposed for a smaller public art installation in the future. Instead, the City emphasized it remains committed to finding a new home for the controversial sculpture in a new location that has yet to be identified.