By Tim Binnall
Canada's legendary lake monster Ogopogo may soon be celebrated by way of an enormous sculpture that a group hopes to create for their local community. According to a local media report, the creative proposal was put forward during a council meeting in the municipality of Peachland, British Columbia. The community sits on the shore of Okanagan Lake, which has long been believed to be the home of Ogopogo, a mysterious aquatic creature akin to Scotland's Nessie. By virtue of its location, Peachland has long been associated with the legendary 'monster' and now a group of residents are looking to fully embrace that connection in a rather big way.
One of the project organizers, Lee Etherington indicated to the community council that the group would take it upon themselves to create the Ogopogo sculpture. "We would raise the funds for it, so there would be no cost to the city," he explained, "other than we would need a spot to put it." To that end, the proposed wooden piece would measure a whopping 25 feet long and around 8 to 10 feet tall. As for the ideal location, the group hopes that it would be in a spot overlooking Okanagan Lake's Rattlesnake Island, which is where native legend states that Ogopogo specifically lives and, as such, is the perfect place for visitors to snap photos.
In making the case for the sculpture to the council, co-organizer Bruce Klippenstein noted the considerable financial benefits experienced by other communities that have adopted their local cryptid as something of a mascot. "We have a world-worthy attraction and we need to harness it," he declared, "you have the opportunity to kick-start a major tourist attraction for Peachland and I hope you’ll take advantage of it." In response to the presentation, the council agreed to have their staff consult with the group to develop a formal plan of action for the sculpture and, should that proposal subsequently pass a vote from local officials, the envisioned Ogopogo sculpture will become a reality.