The small town of Wawa, Ont., says its giant Canada goose landmark is nearly cooked (i.e. rusted from the weather), so the community is seeking financial help to pay for a new version of the massive metal bird.
Wawa claims on its website that the 53-year-old steel Goose Monument is "one of the most photographed landmarks in North America," drawing "millions of visitors" to its perch at the junction between the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 101 in northern Ontario. But the monument is showing significant signs of deterioration, so the municipal government is now trying to raise money to buy a new goose for approximately $250,000.
A website dedicated to replacing the goose is calling for donations in increments of $50, with each donor's name to be written on a feather to be hung at the town's community centre. The town has set a fundraising goal of $500,000.
Wawa CAO Chris Wray says the town has already secured $100,000 for the goose from the federal government, in addition to $60,000 raised through private donations.
"We're a little bit shy of our goal but we're confident we're going to make it," Wray told CTV News Channel on Friday.
Wray says the monument has been worn down by wind and weather conditions, and all possible repairs have already been made to keep the existing one in place. He says a new one is necessary so Wawa can hang onto what has become a symbol of the town.
"It's really our identity," Wray said. "It is Wawa."
Those who wish to support the Wawa Goose 2.0 can donate $50 on the monument's dedicated website. The site includes a live photo view of the monument standing beside the highway, with the photo updated every minute of the day.
