A lawn sculpture in Amherstburg is turning heads — and raising eyebrows — with its phallic shape sparking strong reactions from town residents.
“This is the first time we’ve ever run into somebody putting up such an object,” said Mayor Michael Prue. “It’s just a stone statue but it is very crude.”
It’s been two months since the sculpture was first erected outside of the Texas Road home, where it remains in plain view from the street in the otherwise quiet neighbourhood.
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Amherstburg resident Judy Carney filed a complaint with the town about the sculpture, but said she was told there’s nothing officials can do.
“It’s frustrating,” Carney told the Star. “I think it’s inappropriate and I think it could be triggering to some people. I just don’t think it’s a good choice.”
Despite knocking on the door two days in a row, the Windsor Star could not reach the homeowner for comment. On the second day, the sculpture was dressed as the Easter Bunny.
With the road serving as a bus route for both elementary and secondary schools, Carney expressed concern about the sculpture being visible to students who pass the house daily.
“As a parent I don’t think the kids on the bus need to see that,” Carney said. “I wouldn’t want to have to explain that.
“I don’t know why they felt the need to put that up, whether they think its funny or whether it’s a statement, I just don’t understand why somebody would put that up.”
Without a bylaw restricting certain types of art on private properties, Prue said the town’s hands are tied.
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“People are asked to use good taste when putting up a statue on their front lawn,” Prue said. “I know the woman who complained is hugely upset, but sometimes there are no laws for things.
“It’s very difficult.”
Carney said a local bylaw officer told her that if she could find a clause in the Municipal Act addressing offensive items, she might be able to get a municipal councillor’s support to introduce a new bylaw.
“I could not find anything,” Carney said. “I contacted a local councillor and asked for their help but I got the same answer as the bylaw officer.
“There is nothing they can do.”
According to Prue, the town plans to reach out to other municipalities to determine whether a solution exists elsewhere.
“I’m hoping that these people will be a good neighbour and just take it down,” Carney said. “Don’t be the reason why we have to have a new bylaw.
“It would be nice if this would go away without further frustration because this is embarrassing.”
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