Belleville may be in for a special art tribute to mark its 200th birthday this year.
The idea, presented to city council this week by Prince Edward County Green Trust, is to give the city a marble sculpture featuring a maple leaf.
Spokesperson Tanya Baldwin says it would mark not only Belleville’s birthday but also Canada’s 150th birthday.
Artist Doug Stephens would be the lead sculptor, with help from Peter Lebaron and others. Baldwin said two quarries have indicated they would partner in the venture.
Baldwin says the group will ask artists from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory to complete the work with an insert on the reverse side, at a later date.
She says they are looking at a number of possible sites for the work, but the number one location would be the parking lot across from city hall near the river.
It would need to involve city staff for preparation of the site.
Councillor Jack Miller said “the key to revitalization of downtown is increased residential and the arts community.”
Council received the presentation and referred the proposal to staff.