The Town of Huntsville is holding a Special Council meeting on Wednesday December 3rd at 11:30 a.m. to discuss Huntsville Council’s decision to accept the Mahatma Gandhi Statue donation from the Consulate General of India.
According to a Town of Huntsville staff report presented to council on November 24th by Jacqueline Surette, Manager of Recreation, Culture and Heritage, the Town will receive one of two bronze statues of Gandhi donated by the Consulate General of India. The bronze statue stands over six feet tall and was created by artist Naresh Kumar Kumawat. The statue will be installed on the west side of the Civic Centre – the future site of Unity Circle. The donor and its local partners would cover all costs associated with the fabrication, transportation, and installation of the work, including engineered drawings.
On August 11th, Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock, Deputy Mayor Armour, Councillor Morrison, the CAO and staff met with diplomats from the Consulate General of India in Toronto along with leaders from Huntsville’s Indian community to discuss being a recipient of one of two bronze statues of Mahatma Gandhi commissioned by the Consulate specifically for the purpose of donating them to two communities in Ontario. Similar statues have been installed in other Canadian communities to foster and celebrate cultural ties and diversity.
Some Councillors have expressed concern about the statue of the Indian lawyer, politician, social activist, and writer, pointing out that other countries have taken down statues. However, they urge that this statue be recognized for its promotion of peace and inclusiveness.
Surette said they have already consulted with multiple community organizations, including the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown BIA.
The motion was almost unanimously approved by Council. Councillor Cory Clarke was the only member who did not support the approval.
