Council discusses Samuel de Champlain statue controversy

This comes nearly a week after the 16-foot bronze monument was reinstalled at Couchiching Beach Park and was vandalized within hours.

A special council meeting was held today in Orillia to discuss the future of the Samuel de Champlain statue.

The meeting comes nearly a week after the 16-foot bronze monument was reinstated at Couchiching Beach Park, only to be vandalized within hours of its return.

On Friday, council gathered at the Orillia City Centre to consider a motion that would see the statue transitioned into interim, secure and neutral storage.

During discussions, Councillor Tim Lauer and other members of council raised concerns about how the statue’s reinstatement was handled. Councillor Ralph Cipolla and Councillor Jay Fallis also weighed in as debate continued over communication and transparency surrounding the process.

Councillor Janet-Lynne Durnford criticized the lack of consultation prior to the statue’s return.

“We should absolutely be working together, but that is not what has happened here,” said Durnford. “Staff were not informed, council were not informed, we still don’t know the cost breakdown, we still don’t know whether permits were issued. This is not working together.”

Council has now approved a plan to remove the statue once again. Under the recommended motion, city staff will safely remove the monument and ensure it is stored in a secure location.

The costs associated with the removal and storage will be covered through the city’s Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve.