One of Vancouver Island’s most famous residents is looking for a new home.
Standing nearly eight metres high, “Howard” is the world’s tallest garden gnome. He’s been living on the side of the Island Highway in Nanoose Bay for the past 21 years and is considered an icon by many.
“It’s ‘I spy with my little eye, something that looks like a gigantic elf,'” said Randy White, who regularly drives by it with his grandchildren.
“They say, ‘There he is, there he is! I see him!'”
The gnome was created by Ron Hale, using only scrap metal and junk. He died a year-and-a-half ago.
“Howard” was the mascot for a family run go-kart track and amusement park before a gas station took over the property.
He has survived several changes in ownership since. But now he’s not only in need of some major repairs, the fuel company that currently owns the land says the gnome needs to go.
“A week ago, I received an email from them saying that they were no longer pursuing the refurbishment and that I had until April 30 to remove him,” said Hale’s granddaughter Bridget Matewish.
In a statement, Parkland Fuel Corporation said the move is an issue of safety.
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“After extensive investigation into the structural integrity of the gnome, it has been deemed unsafe and therefore requires us to remove it from our property and out of harm’s way from our customers,” said the company.
Darlene Albright, who travels the stretch of highway regularly, doesn’t agree.
“I think it’s pretty sad actually, I mean that’s been our icon for so long. I always look forward to seeing the gnome it’s like, ‘Oh yeah, I’m at home.'”
Metawish said offers to take the gnome have been pouring in online.
“People from across the country literally. So, it’s been really, really positive,” she said.
The family plans to take its time with the decision, making sure their grandfather’s work is in the best place possible and — most importantly — his legacy lives on.
“As long as he’s standing at the end of the day, no matter where it is, I think that he’d be really, really proud,” said Metawish.
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