White City is proud to welcome its newest public art installation: a stunning 12-foot-tall dragonfly sculpture, located in Emerald Ridge Park (Squirrel Park) at the intersection of the walking paths.
This new sculpture is more than public art — it’s a symbol of who we are and where we’re going as a community. Come visit the sculpture and be inspired!
Get Involved: Snap, Share & Win!
Get Involved: Snap, Share & Win!
We want to see your perspective on this new community landmark. To celebrate this new art piece — and encourage residents to engage with it — we’re giving away a prize.
Here’s how to participate for a chance to win:
- Take a photo with the sculpture (or of it, if you’re camera shy). Get creative!
- Write a sentence or two about your favorite detail or what the sculpture represents to you.
- Share your photo and caption with us on...
- Facebook or Instagram: Use the hashtag #WhiteCityDragonfly and make sure to tag the Town of White City. Your account must be public for the Town to receive your entry; OR
- Our website: Use the form at the bottom of this page to submit your entry.
The contest will close at midnight on November 15. One participant will be randomly selected to win a prize package featuring a gift card and White City swag. By participating, you consent to your entry being re-shared on the Town’s social media and/or website.
About the Project
Created by local artist Bruno Van Opstal, this eye-catching sculpture captures the imagination with its elegant form and powerful symbolism. The dragonfly features a 5’5” tall body crafted from a variety of materials, paired with a striking 6-foot wingspan formed from 10mm rebar. The sculpture is meticulously arc-welded and finished with a sleek, rustproof high-gloss black paint for durability.
But there’s more than meets the eye. Bruno’s design weaves together a story of movement, transformation, and growth, echoing the spirit of White City. Five sculpted leaves sprout from the top of the sculpture, each one representing the diverse people and families who’ve come together to build this vibrant, welcoming community.
From Proposal to Park
Bruno’s concept was selected following a public call for artists earlier this year and officially approved at the July 7 Committee of the Whole Meeting. Over the following months, he brought his vision to life in his workshop, before working alongside White City’s Public Works team to install it safely. The sculpture is anchored by a 6-foot-deep reinforced concrete pile, using over 500 kg of concrete to ensure long-lasting stability.
The Town chose to place the dragonfly at Emerald Ridge Park based on public engagement with residents. Through a community survey, many people asked for art to be placed in parks, along pathways, and in high-traffic areas. Emerald Ridge Park was a natural fit: it’s a busy spot where walking paths meet and it’s close to an open green space used for sports, allowing many people to enjoy the sculpture.
A Closer Look
This sculpture isn’t just impressive — it’s resourceful and sustainable. Bruno used recycled and salvaged materials, adding unexpected charm and character.
Look closely! A portion of the dragonfly’s body is made from a brass lamp, and the eyes are repurposed kitchen strainers. What other items can you identify?
Youth Artwork on Display
As a companion piece, children in the Summer Play Program crafted their own dragonfly-inspired collaborative artwork, titled “Families in Flight”. Using popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners, these young artists represented their family members as dragonflies, reflecting on how they grow, adapt and soar through life’s changes together.
Their colorful creations are proudly displayed at the White City Community Centre. Stop by and take a look!
About the Artist
Bruno Van Opstal, the artist behind ReB-Art by Bruno, is a self-taught sculptor based in White City. He began experimenting with metalwork in 2010 and has since created a variety of metal sculptures ranging from 12 inches to 8 feet in length.
He crafts one-of-a-kind artwork from rebar, sheet metal, copper and brass, cut and bent by hand using a jig. His cold-bending technique and use of recycled materials ensure that no two sculptures are ever the same.
You can explore more of his work on Facebook at @ReB-Art by Bruno.
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