Lake of Bays approves up to $7,700 for new tree sculptures in Dwight
Lake of Bays Council approved $7,100 for tree sculptures in Dwight, in the April 9, 2024, meeting.
Staff recommended that Council approve the sculptures to be carved by a company called Northern Rhodes Artistry in Wood.
The trees located at Dwight Beach will be carved using a chainsaw, and according to the report, the Township has $7,700 in funds in the 2024 Economic Development Operating Budget for the sculptures.
They indicated that it is a part of the Township’s Official Plan to promote public art and heritage in the community. It’s part of an effort labelled in the agenda as, “Transforming Dwight: The Spring 2024 Launch of Chainsaw Sculpture in Lake of Bays.”
They will be carving two old tall pine trees for the project that were initially to be cut down. The trees will be carved on site, while still rooted in the ground.
The carvings are scheduled to be completed in time for the May long weekend.
The Township will be responsible for the ongoing costs, estimated at $200 per year, for maintenance, such as cleaning and varnishing.
Councillor, Nancy Tapley, inquired about the height of the carvings, expressing concern about people or “vandals” climbing on them. She also asked, “Are they strong, and enough to withstand it?”
Director of Planning, April Best-Sararas, advised they will be 8 to 9 feet tall. She said, “They’re quite large. Their quite substantial.”
CAO, Bryan Brown, suggested putting signs up near the sculptures deterring the public from doing this “because we’re afraid that it might happen, and it probably will.”
He added that the two trees were dying for years and staff “happened to cross paths with Jake, who won the US open.”
The Township was advised that the project was something they could do if they acted now.
Brown indicated that a third larger tree by the library was also saved.
He added, “Don’t be surprised if there are savings that we come back to Council about over the years.” He suggested the carver has “amazing talent” and there’s been talk about other potential opportunities for the chainsaw sculptures.
Brown said he’s been to the sculpture’s shop and expressed enthusiasm. “Wow. People are going to be really impressed,” he added.
