Restored Totem Pole Returns to Centennial Park

Many St. Catharines residents have been eagerly awaiting the reappearance of our iconic totem pole, installed in 1967 as part of Canada’s hundredth birthday celebration. Understandably, over the intervening 50-plus years, the pole had begun to deteriorate, and in August 2019, city council approved a recommendation to take down the totem pole to restore it. Since then, according to the City web site, “The totem pole is currently undergoing restoration efforts. It was successfully removed on Dec. 17, 2019, and will be stored for drying, and restored and re-installed in 2020.” Well, they missed the 2020 deadline, but we are relieved to see it finally returned to its rightful spot. SubStandard reporters at the site did hear some grumbling from observers when the refurbished pole was unveiled. “I remember it as being way taller, ” one woman commented.

“And didn’t it have wings or something?” A man who can still remember the day the pole arrived in St. Catharines also had misgivings. “What happened to the colors? There were colors on that thing, I’m almost sure. ” Another observer said, “They’ve been restoring this for a year and a half? Sure glad they didn’t keep it any longer or there’d be nothin ’left.” When approached about these concerns, City staff admitted the restoration had proved more challenging than originally anticipated. “The rot had set in pretty good. We had to remove more of the old wood than we would have liked to. But people are always complaining about something. Come on – use your imagination, folks. ” The City also conceded the project ran considerably over budget, citing the additional work required and the standard 45% Covid pandemic surcharge.