‘I’m excited’: Toronto mayor reacts to Drake’s ‘Iceman’ promo as firefighters dismantle sculpture

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is publicly supporting a decision by the city’s fire chief to dismantle Drake’s viral “Iceman” sculpture downtown, after it drew thousands of fans and raised concerns about “dangerous and unsafe activities.”

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday ahead of a council meeting, Chow said she supports the actions of Fire Chief Jim Jessop after crews began dousing the sculpture near Yonge and Dundas streets in warm water overnight.

• Inside Drake’s giant ice sculpture in downtown Toronto

The decision to dismantle the structure came after massive crowds flocked to the display in recent days, with some using tools, flames and flammable liquids to try to break it open.

“The fire chief made the decision last night, and I support his decisions. His responsibility is people’s safety,” Chow told reporters. “Folks climbed it. I seen them doing all types of things. It is our responsibility to make sure people are safe.”

Jessop had warned that open flames and flammable liquids in an uncontrolled environment cause an “immediate threat to life” and that crews would be “initiating measures” to mitigate the risk to public safety.

At one point Tuesday, a fan used a sledgehammer on the block, while others spray-painted messages urging people to melt it faster.

Police briefly pushed crowds back as the situation escalated, allowing people to return once additional officers arrived.

Who is responsible for the cleanup?

In an email to CTV News Toronto, officials say firefighters were first called at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, to begin efforts of dismantling the structure.

Cleanup efforts have now surpassed a total of 16 hours.

The city notes that because the parking lot is situated on private property, “the owner did not need a City of Toronto permit to install the ice blocks.”

“The fire safety complaints received were of individuals starting fires using open flames and flammable liquids, with reports noting several climbing on and around the slippery ice structure with pickaxes,” a spokesperson wrote in an email.

“Response to fire safety risks form part of Toronto Fire Services’ approved service levels, which are funded through the City’s annual operating budget.”

Emergency crews left the scene shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday and have since passed the remainder of the cleanup back to Drake’s “private security team.”

Chow acknowledges excitement

Chow acknowledges that while the decision to melt the structure is justified, she can understand why many Torontonians flocked to the display in excitement.

At the same time, she noted that Drake is a huge supporter of the city and suggests that she too is excited for the album release.

“Drake is a big supporter of our city, and there’s so much excitement across our city towards this new Drake album, The Iceman,” she said.

“I’m excited too.”

When will the album be released?

The block of ice, which only took two days for fans to chip away at, is tied to Drake’s ninth studio album which will be released May 15.

“They got what they’re looking for. We now know the date, it’s exciting,” Chow said. “It’s going to be a great summer, May 15.”

• Drake reveals release date of next album after ice sculpture stunt

Security had previously said that fans were allowed to chip the ice but not climb — a rule that was widely ignored as excitement grew.

Chow however, said she understands the draw.

“I can understand why fans are excited. They wanted to go and find out that date,” she said.

She also called the stunt “creative,” adding “that’s what arts and culture is all about,” even as the city moved to shut it down.

With files from the Canadian Press