IROQUOIS FALLS - An iconic lumberjack statue isn’t getting the axe.
The Highway 11 landmark is being repaired and relocated, Iroquois Falls council decided on Monday. The next steps are selecting the most suitable new location and co-ordinating the logistics of the move and restoration.
“It was a process that we took our time with. We got the community’s input before making a decision, which I think is key. Community involvement is very important to us, and we heard them, and we’re working towards a solution that’s going to benefit everyone,” acting Mayor Gilles Giguère told TimminsToday.
The four sites being considered for the new location are the sundial location near Ambridge Drive and Victoria Road, Anson Park located at the intersection of Anson Drive and Cambridge Avenue, the Iroquois Falls Public Library at 725 Synagogue Ave., and the entrance of the future walking trail off of Detroyes Avenue near Teefy Street.
The statue’s future has been talked about since September.
Also known as Guy-Paul Treefall, the statue was originally part of a building complex adjacent to Highway 11. The property is now owned by Zieminski Real Estate Inc. The town is responsible for maintaining and repairing the statue, which has had cosmetic repairs, but now needs full rehabilitation.
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The original estimate was over $26,000, but a new quote puts the repairs at $10,000. The town's budget for the project is $12,500.
Giguère spoke about the financial considerations during Monday’s meeting. He said the second restoration quote made it easier for him to see the restoration as a good investment.
There were 945 responses to an online survey.
The results showed 45.4 per cent of respondents preferred to repair and leave the statue in its current location, 42.2 per cent favoured its removal, and 12.4 per cent supported repair and relocation.
At the meeting, Giguère said security is important in the new location.
“We need to make sure that it's in a well-lit area or where there could be a light installed if it's not already lit. Last thing we want is for any kind of vandalism or anything to happen once we're done restoring him,” he said.
Giguère is grateful for the co-operation of Lauren Zieminski and her real estate team throughout the process.
“Where the statue currently lies, the property owner there has been really good with the town and supporting us as we went through the steps, and letting us get to where we are today,” he said.
Giguère said ideally once the snow is gone, they would like to move the statue to its new home.
“And then get it restored before the snow would fly next fall,” he said.
There will be a celebration at the new site of the statue, once it’s in its new home, said Giguère.