The location for a public art donation that previously caused a stir due to an unanticipated conflict was approved by Airdrie City council during a meeting April 6.
The donation from the Philippine Consulate General of Calgary is a monument that immortalizes Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal – an icon in the Philippines who played an integral role in the country’s fight for independence from Spain in the late 19th century. Council endorsed accepting the Rizal bust donation in the fall of 2020.
“I sincerely want to thank them for bringing this to Airdrie,” Mayor Peter Brown said. “It’s an amazing opportunity not only for tourism and respecting the history and the culture with the Filipino community we have in Airdrie, but it’s also really going to be something special for the area.”
Brown said he hopes the installation of the monument will bring more cultural recognition to the city.
“Hopefully, people from around the world that now live in Airdrie will look to set up their own specific recognition of their communities and where they come from,” he said.
The location approved by council for the monument is just south of the Gwacheon Totems in Nose Creek Regional Park. In a letter submitted to council, the Filipino Airdrie Association (FAA) said that location is important due to its proximity to the Gwacheon Totems to form a “cultural cluster.”
Additionally, the location is important to the FAA due to its proximity to St. Paul’s Catholic Church, where many local Filipinos attend Sunday services. It is also the site where FAA hosts an annual festival to mark the Philippines’ independence.
However, the proposed location previously created some unexpected conflict. Airdrie Festival of Lights Society (AFOLS) President Rob Pirzek penned a letter to City council on March 1 that asked if the City would consider an alternative location for the statue of Rizal. His letter noted how the FAA’s preferred site for the Rizal monument is the same spot where the society’s “Santa Takes Flight” display is installed during the annual lights festival in December.
“The board of directors [of AFOLS] would like to make clear we are in full support of this donation to the City of Airdrie, as we truly see the benefits it could accomplish,” a portion of Pirzek’s letter said.
“However, as a major stakeholder in Nose Creek Park, placement in this location would have serious ramifications to our operations. Our request at this time is to ask His Worship and members of council to please consider tabling this decision and allow AFOLS the opportunity to meet with all necessary parties to find a solution that works for everyone.”
Along with the approval of the location, council approved a separate motion that will see administration work with AFOLS towards appropriate upgrades to meet the needs of the “Santa Takes Flight” display with a financial contribution up to $8,000.
AFOL coordinator Michelle Pirzek said the organization was happy to be considered throughout the planning.
“That is all we were looking for,” she said, adding she always welcomes anything that helps connect the community.
“Anytime we can connect groups and people, it works,” she said. “We are thrilled to be working together toward a resolution.”
With the location approval, administration said it will work on finalizing the site design and obtaining necessary approvals from Alberta Environment this spring.
The official unveiling of the monument is set to take place in the fall.
With files from Scott Strasser/Airdrie City View
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
