City News

New Coast Salish Art Installed at Pioneer Park

The Ferndale Arts Commission, in collaboration with the Lhaq’temish Foundation, has completed two new murals on the west side of the Pioneer Pavilion in Pioneer Park. The murals were designed and painted by local artists Jason LaClair and Yolanda Felix-Wilbur and pay tribute to the shared history of Ferndale and the Lummi Nation.

“You cannot tell the history of Ferndale without beginning with the Lummi Nation,” said Mayor Greg Hansen, “and what better place for that than Pioneer Park?”

LaClair’s piece is titled “One From the Heart” and speaks to the shared love of all people, especially during the challenges of the pandemic. Felix-Wilbur’s piece tells the story of the Lummi Nation itself and their canoe journey.

Both murals are available for viewing on the side of the Pioneer Pavilion at 2004 Cherry St. in Ferndale. A third mural is planned for Summer of 2022.

For more information about the Ferndale Arts Commission can be found here.

September 29, 2021

Statewide Ban on Single-Use Plastic Bags Begins Oct. 1st

The statewide single-use plastic bag ban will take effect October 1, 2021.Plastic bags are a major contaminant in Washington’s recycling centers, waterways, and roadways.

Washington’s Plastic Bag Ban reduces pollution by prohibiting single-use plastic carryout bags and charging a fee for acceptable bags in business establishments.

Consumers are encouraged to bring their own clean, reusable bags for use in stores and restaurants.

Paper bags and reusable plastic bags will be available at some businesses, but prepare to pay at least eight cents per bag for those options. The fee may not be collected from anyone using a voucher or electronic benefits card issued under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women’s Infants and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Food Assistance Program (FAP).

Visit the Department of Ecology website here for more detailed information.

September 23, 2021

Notice of Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Tuesday, September 21, 2021, 7am-7pm

Notice of Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Tuesday, September 21, 2021, 7am-7pm

LaBounty Drive, between Sunset Avenue and Seahawk Drive

Drivers should expect delays as traffic is reduced to single lane traffic on LaBounty Drive, between Sunset Avenue and Seahawk Drive on Tuesday, September 21st, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Flaggers will be onsite to direct traffic. Road will remain open during nonworking hours. This work is to complete road improvements associated with a private development project.

If you have questions regarding this notice, please contact Ferndale Public Works Department at (360) 384-4006.

Please see attached for traffic control plan.

September 14, 2021

EXTENDED: Notice of Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Monday, September 20, 2021 to Wednesday, September 22, 2021

EXTENDED: Notice of Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Monday, September 20, 2021 to Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Vista Drive, between Robyn Drive and Lincoln Drive

Drivers should expect delays as traffic is reduced to single lane traffic on Vista Drive between Robyn Drive and Lincoln Drive on Monday, September 20th to Wednesday, September 22nd, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Flaggers will be onsite to direct traffic. Road will remain open during nonworking hours. This work is to complete road improvements associated with a private development project.

If you have questions regarding this notice, please contact Ferndale Public Works Department at (360) 384-4006.

September 13, 2021

Notice of Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Tuesday, September 7th and Wednesday, September 8th

Notice of Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Tuesday, September 7th and Wednesday, September 8th

LaBounty Drive, between Smith Road and Sunset Avenue

Drivers should expect delays as LaBounty Drive is closed to thru traffic between Smith Road and Sunset Avenue starting at 7AM on Tuesday, September 7th until 7PM on Wednesday, September 8th. Northbound traffic will be detoured via Sunset Ave. to Rural Ave. to Slater Rd. to Pacific Hwy. to Smith Rd. to LaBounty Dr. Southbound traffic will be detoured via Smith Rd. to Pacific Hwy. to Slater Rd. to Rural Ave. to Sunset Ave. to Labounty Dr. Detour route will be marked. Road will remain closed for duration of the work, including overnight. This work is to complete road improvements associated with a private development project.

Please see attached for traffic control plan.

If you have questions regarding this notice, please contact Ferndale Public Works Department at (360) 384-4006.

August 31, 2021

Coast Salish Mural Project Underway

The Ferndale Arts Commission is collaborating with the Lhaq’temish Foundation to complete a Coast Salish mural project on the west side of the Pioneer Pavilion.
The whole project is planned to be complete by the end of summer of 2022. Two smaller murals are being completed this year as part of the larger project, the first of which is nearly finished and will be wrapped up early this week.


Jason LaClair is a 38 year old member of Lummi Nation. His design on the Pavilion is called “One From the Heart.” Jason has been practicing in the Northwest Coast Style for over 20 years, mainly focusing on creating logo designs for many Tribal entities in both Nooksack and Lummi. Jason has wanted to paint murals in Whatcom County to ensure the First Peoples of Whatcom and the Coast Salish Communities are recognized, as well as their Coast Salish ancestors. Jason has completed several murals before and is collaborating with Gretchen Leggit on an upcoming  mural for the City of Bellingham as well.

“The Ferndale Arts Commission is grateful to work with Jason and bring his art to the Pioneer Pavilion project” said Rebecca Xczar, Ferndale Arts Commission Chairperson. “We are so excited to bring this Coast Salish project to the Pioneer Pavilion, and we deeply appreciate the collaboration with the Lhaq’temish Foundation.”  

The second mural piece is planned to begin this week.

August 24, 2021

EXTENDED – Notice of Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Monday, August 9, 2021 to Friday, August 13, 2021

EXTENDED – Notice of Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Monday, August 9, 2021 to Friday, August 13, 2021

Vista Drive, between Robyn Drive and Lincoln Drive

Drivers should expect delays as traffic is reduced to single lane traffic on Vista Drive between Robyn Drive and Lincoln Drive on Monday, August 9th to Friday, August 13th, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Flaggers will be onsite to direct traffic. Road will remain open during nonworking hours. This work is to complete road improvements associated with a private development project.

If you have questions regarding this notice, please contact Ferndale Public Works Department at (360) 384-4006.

August 11, 2021