I think public art is very important to Canadian culture. This is not to say that we are immersed in it, but it is important in that it creates a dialogue about art in the public domain. It is part of the environment and the everyday life of a lot of people. Its artwork that comes out and meets you on the sidewalk. Yes, I think Canadians appreciate it.
All opinions count in public art which is the great thing about it.
I think it brings people around to understanding it over time. That is an interesting question. I immediately get this image of Inukshuck trail markers in the Arctic. Perhaps the public that 'goes to see' public art projects wherever they may be are not unlike the people that go to art galleries regularly. It is not something the public would generally come upon by chance.