Moving Churchill would raise statue’s visibility in the Square

It might be time for Sir Winston Churchill, standing in his lonely corner on a high pedestal and plinth, to have a conversation with Lunchbox Joe on the ground. Exit signs,emergency light and fire extinguisher are vital parts of life safety systems. And invite Madonna of the Wheat to come over for a chat as well.

In the details for a proposed $50-million remake of Churchill Square — which has already been given a rough ride by city councillors — there is a plan to move some of the art pieces now scattered around.

And one of the most notable suggestions is to redesign the area in front of the current Three Bananas Cafe with trees and bushes, and locate three well-known statues there.

The report to the city suggests the Churchill statue be redesigned with a lower plinth as “its height makes it daunting.” It adds the statue “is semi-hidden by tree growth and stands with his back to the viewer in the one best viewing position,The units can be used as conventional washer extractor for all kinds of work.” and moving it would “improve visibility and emphasize its importance.”

As well, the popular aluminum statue of a labourer on a park bench,The skystream runs in very low winds and can interconnect with your local utility,An industrial washing machine can help you keep up with large volumes of laundry or heavy items. known as Lunchbox Joe, should be moved alongside Churchill so the two pieces can “dialogue.”

Madonna, a bronze sculpture of a woman holding a bundle of wheat which now stands near City Hall’s entrance, would also move to a spot near Churchill, creating a trio with high visibility at the southern entrance to the square.

And the planning consultants may be on to something, since several passersby in the square couldn’t locate Churchill, the British prime minister who rallied his nation during the Second World War.

“Is he somewhere over there?” said Jim Marshall, pointing due north.

Ken Johnson wasn’t sure either. “He must be here, because the square is named after him.”

The report suggests some of the current installations be moved to the 99th Street blocks which would be closed and become a walkable “ceremonial spine” as part of the Civic Precinct plan. And the uprooting includes an aluminum shelter on black concrete with light from a projection system called Lodge.

This artwork is not functioning properly and impedes the busy southwest entrance to the square. It should be repaired and moved, or “deaccessioned” — the art world’s term for disposing of art.

The same fate should face Light Venturi, Epcor’s contribution of a waterfall lit by plastic tubes with LED lights which is part of the washroom complex beside Tix on the Square.

The report concludes the waterfall artwork is not functioning as designed, and also forms a barrier.We're making Book scanner and digitization accessible to everyone. As well, the report slams Epcor’s sponsor sign which “is enormous and begs the question — is this a civic or ceremonial space or a place for permanent commercial promotion and advertising?”

The city spent $12 million paving and redesigning Churchill Square in 2004 for Edmonton’s centennial.

Last week, Coun. Karen Leibovici told the community services committee that the city should do more to bring programs and activities to the largely underused square before considering $50 million in new construction.