I am pleasantly shocked that the statue was returned to its original location. You can't judge the past with today's ideals. Champlain was visionary, and explorer. It was a different time back then. We shouldn't erase history. Cudos to those who made this happen.
Regardless of your take on Champlain or his place in Couch Park, this decision is absurdly anti-democratic. Have some respect for your Council Mr. Mayor and for the people of Orillia who voted for them ... and for you.
A disgusting and contemptible move by the outgoing mayor of Orillia. His behaviour is that of a 12-year old. He calls this move 'storage' because it will be shrink wrapped. Meanwhile he has the statue moved to the park at the same time children from Chippewas of Rama are in the park, specifically to learn, and to celebrate Rama's Gathering festival. The mayor, besides going against council's wishes, has demeaned himself further.Just when you thought he couldn't stoop any lower.
This story now goes beyond whether you want the statue returned or not. The mayor knows he has defied a legal council motion settled through a super majority vote, i believe. He calls this eye-sore 'storage'. It's not. This is his revenge on all but one councillor. How immature and narcissistic.
Seems to me its rather prone to vandalism mounted so low.But its quite a display of the Mayor's contempt for our elected council. "The will of the people". Yeah, right.
Finally! A decision has been made. Too bad it took SEVEN years of circular discussion and countless committees and still " let's defer it"Even Parks Canada waffled.Let's keep it where it is and place a sign to acknowledge that things have changed.
Finally common sense prevails! History, well meaning or not, should never be erased or altered in any way, but remain for the generations to come, to learn what they choose to from history. Think that could be an important part of a society that is free to think for themselves.
Who did the mayor hire to do this if city staff didn't know? What was the cost of this? and his buddy CAO just approved it with no oversight? He will 100% make sure this cost is hidden from taxpayers- just like the cost to taxpayers on acquiring a CAO who will break rules with him. Also, when he says verbal request... that shows he clearly knows he's cobwring his tracks rach step of the way. Regardless how you feel about it going up or not this was super snakey.
Congratulations to Mayor Don McIssac! The Champlain statue is back where it belongs. Please forget about the "shrink wrap and a tarp", that will just perpetuate the issue.If in the future someone can come up with explanatory wording to which all parties can agree let's deal with that in the future.Doug LewisDoug Lewis
The mayor did not directly answer how much this cost. Nor how much it will cost now to maintain, especially should there be more vandalism. A tape and fence will not stop those who want to do what they want. Are they going to have security protecting it 24/7? Waste of time and tax payers money. There are more important concerns in this city right now. Whether you agree or disagree with the statue, this was not the process that should have been done.