Markham cow statue to stay put, for now
Charity the cow isn’t going anywhere soon, and there’s confusion about where she will go when a decision is made on her future.

Thestar.com
Oct. 17, 2017
Noor Javed

Charity the cow isn’t going anywhere soon, and there’s confusion about where she will go when a decision is made on her future.

Markham councilors held a council meeting Tuesday night to determine what to do with the city’s infamous cow-on-stilts statue after a local developer couldn’t be prodded to change her position.

The statue was donated and installed earlier this summer by local developer Helen Roman-Barber, and has attracted hundreds of curious bovine art critics and lovers to the quiet suburb of Cathedraltown, near Elgin Mills Rd. and Woodbine Ave.

“When I asked her if she had an intention, or willingness to open her mind to look at an alternative site, she said that was never her intention and she sees this as being the best location for her donation,” said Steven Chait, the director of economic growth, culture and entrepreneurship for the city of Markham.

He said she was not open to discussion on moving the statue, even when she was informed the city would pay for it.

Last month, Markham councilors voted to move the now infamous cow statue called Charity: Perpetuation of Perfection, after residents protested about the proximity of the stainless steel statue to their home, the lack of consultation before installation and the height of the public art piece.

Charity, believed to be “the most perfect cow there ever was,” was partially owned by wealthy businessman, Stephen Roman, Helen’s father. It is believed the cow never even came to Markham, and spent her life on a farm in Port Perry.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti repeatedly said he was against the idea of moving the cow.

Councillors struggled to decide if the statue should be removed immediately or if it should remain on Charity Cres. until a new location is found. After a recorded vote, council decided 7-4 to keep the “sculpture on site until a suitable location is found.”

Council also voted to give staff until the end of the year to come up with possible options of where the statue will go when the city assumes ownership of the statue.

According to a memorandum signed between the developer and the city, the city will consult “with the donor prior to any final decision being made regarding the sculpture’s removal and relocation,” it says, adding “the decision of the city shall be final.”

And “if the decision is made by the city to relocate the Sculpture or remove the Sculpture from public display, the city will advise the donor in writing.”

Tammy Armes, a long-time resident of Cathedraltown, questions why taxpayers should be on the hook.

“Why should we pay for it? Why should resident of Markham pay for this mistake?”

Resident Danny Da Silva said he was happy to see the councilors support the motion for moving the statue and would be following the next steps closely.

“I think the donor has been very consistent in her stance, so that wasn’t surprising.”

But until then, he admits he will have to live with a front row seat of Charity.

“We want to see how this transpires. We are still expecting to find an alternate location soon as possible, and at the earliest convenience to see it moved. If they dilly-dally, that could be problematic.”