3 spots Markham's cow sculpture on stilts could wind up in new year
All locales in Cathedraltown, but donor has first chance to take sculpture back
YorkRegion.com
Dec 12, 2017
Tim Kelly
It appears Markham's cow sculpture on stilts, Charity, could be headed to one of three locations in the new year.
That's if donor Helen Roman-Barber either agrees with the choices or decides to take the sculpture back.
According to Mayor Frank Scarpitti, the city would prefer it if Roman-Barber agreed to a choice of one of the three locations, but, if she doesn't, she has the opportunity to take the sculpture back.
If she doesn't want it back, council will move it.
Scarpitti spoke about the controversial topic recently, adding some clarity to the long-simmering issue that started when the statue was installed in July.
The mayor said recently installed granite blocks were not added by the city, but by the donor as part of finishing the sculpture, adding, "As soon as the city found out about the work, we told them to stop and they did."
"From our perspective we've made the decision we did (to move the sculpture), so when we found out about it (additional work) our staff took action."
Scarpitti said city staff has brought three location options for Charity to city council. They are in preferential order:
1) the future urban park centred around the water feature just east and slightly north of the Cathedral property;
2) at Frisby Park, travelling up Woodbrine Avenue on the east side, just north of Victoria Square Boulevard, north of Major Mackenzie Drive; or
3) Arboretum Heritage Park, north of the Cathedral, just west of Victoria Square Boulevard.
Ed Shiller, spokesperson for Roman-Barber, said she has had no discussions with respect to relocating Charity and said that, as far as she is concerned, the statue of Charity remains where she is.
Roman-Barber, according to the terms of the contract with the City of Markham, has first right of refusal with respect to removal or relocation of Charity and can agree to return of the statue.
