Edmonton – The Wayne Gretzky statue has stood outside Rexall Place since 1989, but it could be on the move.
A clause in the arena master agreement indicates the City of Edmonton will allow Oilers owner Daryl Katz to move the statue somewhere within the new downtown arena.
The change would have to be approved by Molson’s, which paid $75,000 for the large bronze figure, but Mayor Stephen Mandel said Monday he doesn’t want it to go.
“The statue, in my humble opinion, belongs to the land on which it sits, which is Northlands. I don’t think it should be moved,” he said.
“We have to be respectful of where it is and be respectful of the environment in which it sits now.”
Molson Coors Canada says civic officials can put the statue where they want.
In a statement last year, Gretzky told the Journal he didn’t want to wade into the issue.
“I’m truly honoured that the City of Edmonton chose to erect a statue in my honour, and I certainly respect their decision on whether or not to move it. I’m behind whatever decision they make 100 per cent.”
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With files from the Edmonton Journal
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