The Weather Catcher, a dramatic sculptural feature in the form of a vertical structure, spatially defines and complements the public space design of Jubilee Centre Plaza. Building upon the inherent qualities of the site, the Weather Catcher takes advantage of Fort McMurray’s unique northern climate and position in relation to the sun. The stainless steel structure serves as a canvas upon which a constantly changing work of nature is registered.

This beacon showcases the poetic qualities of seasonal change in Fort McMurray. Composed of a set of stainless steel elements forming a diffuse structure of segments, meshes, and cables designed to register an array of natural conditions, the Weather Catcher takes full advantage of the experiential opportunities of climate and atmosphere. Water plays a central role within this feature; it works as a medium in various states, from crystallization of snow and ice in winter to rain, fog and mist in summer. The play of natural light upon the structure can register Fort McMurray’s magical midnight sun as a composition of moving shadows are traced across the plaza surface. A highlight is the winter season in which the Weather Catcher is transformed into an ice curtain capable of video and light projections.

The Weather Catcher uses the ephemeral properties of weather to create a symbol for the City Centre Initiative, visible from Franklin Avenue. It works to support a new culture of outdoor public life in the City Centre with an emphasis on the unique identity of the north.