KENORA—The City of Kenora has given Dinosaur Valley Studios from East Coulee, Alberta the task of completing a major renovation of the Husky the Muskie structure.
According to city Parks and Facilities, “The project site will begin to take shape with scaffolding placed around the structure beginning Monday. The rehabilitation work will start on Friday, June 10, and last up to 10 days. It is anticipated that construction will be completed by June 20, 2022.
Husky the Muskie is said to be a 12-metre outdoor sculpture of a Muskellunge located in McLeod Park, in the Harbourtown Centre of the City of Kenora. The sculpture was first constructed in 1967 as a Canadian Centennial project by the Kenora Chamber of Commerce. The structure was meant to be a symbol to bring awareness to Ontario’s lakes and the prevention of water pollution.
The recent notice by the City of Kenora about this renovation project indicated that, “Since its construction, the sculpture has received national recognition with its placement along the Trans-Canada Highway and the shores of Lake of the Woods.” Husky the Muskie is a Kenora landmark and roadside attraction for local residents and seasonal visitors.
The original construction included a ton of steel, 36 sheets of plywood, 3,500 bolts, 700 pounds of resin, 500 square feet of fibre glass matting and many tubes of multi-coloured paints. Since its original installation, the structure has been restored twice; once in 1980 and then again in 1994. Kenora Parks and Facilities Department believes, “It is now time once again to undertake the rehabilitation of the beloved monument.”
“Husky the Muskie is an icon in the City of Kenora for residents and visitors,” said Mayor Daniel Reynard. “The city is thrilled to begin work on this project to restore this important attraction in our community."
The project represents a component of the 2019 Harbourfront Business Development Plan and is supported by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, FedNor and the City of Kenora Municipal Accommodation Tax.
