A requirement that bike racks must "reflect the community" is as close as gays got to a recognition from the City of Ottawa in its call to artists. Nonetheless, the queer community will be able to make comments on proposed designs at a public meeting, according to documents released Apr 11.

Anyone living within 150 km of Ottawa — both established artists and scene newcomers — can submit up to two drawings for consideration. Entries will be judged on artistic merit, durability and "timelessness" of design. Finalists will be presented at an open house in the second or third week of June.

Winning designs will be cut from steel to make bike racks, part of the city's first "functional art" program. Up to 30 designs will be chosen to spruce up 90 bike racks between Laurier and the Queensway.

The project is part of a redevelopment strategy spurred by the closure of Bank St starting this spring to replace ailing pipes below the street's surface. That process has already been completed for the part of Bank St that lies between Wellington and Laurier.

Download the submission package (PDF files):

• Call to artists
• Timeline
• Bike rack design plan
• Examples of conforming and non-conforming designs
• Bike rack template

Read related stories about the Village:

• The Village: not giving up
• Will Bank St's public art reflect us?
• Opinion: Dear Bank St businesses
• Video: Ottawa gays demand village recognition