Shep is the name given to a large sculpture of a semipalmated sandpiper located in Dorchester (now part of Tantramar), New Brunswick, Canada. The sculpture's name derives from the nearby Shepody Bay. Initially a wooden sculpture made by Monty MacMillan, Shep first stood at Dorchester since 2001 until being removed in 2020. The sculpture's rotting wood prevented repairs and a new one was made by Robin Hanson using steel, fibreglass and epoxy, and was installed on April 8, 2023.
.jpg) Shep in 2011, prior to being replaced | |
 | |
| 45°53′59″N 64°31′00″W / 45.8997117°N 64.5165834°W | |
| Location | Dorchester, New Brunswick, Canada |
|---|---|
| Designer | Robin Hanson |
| Type | Semipalmated sandpiper sculpture |
| Material | Steel, fibreglass, epoxy |
| Height | 2.4 metres (7.9 ft) |
| Weight | 135 kilograms (298 lb) |
| Dedicated to | The Shepody Bay |
Description edit
Shep is a large sculpture located in Dorchester, New Brunswick, which is now part of Tantramar. It depicts a semipalmated sandpiper and is made of steel, fibreglass and epoxy. It stands at 2.4 metres (7.9 ft) tall and weighs around 135 kilograms (298 lb). The sculpture by Robin Hanson was installed on April 8, 2023 as a replacement to a previous wooden version made by Monty MacMillan, which was removed in 2020.[1][2] The sculpture's name "Shep" derives from the nearby Shepody Bay, an extension of the Bay of Fundy which many semipalmated sandpipers migrate to during the summer.[3] It is considered by locals to be an important symbol of the community.[4]
History edit
Shep's original wooden sculpture, made by Monty MacMillan,[1] had originally stood in Dorchester since 2001,[5][6] until being removed in 2020 to undergo repairs. The Dorchester village council approved funding for making repairs to the wooden sculpture and building a viewing platform for it. In 2021, repairs were unable to be made after MacMillan discovered that the sculpture's wood had started rotting, and his tools getting stolen prevented him from being able to rebuild it.[1][7] In order to replace the sculpture, the village council commissioned one made with steel, epoxy and fibreglass from Robin Hanson.[8] The new sculpture was built at a cost of $9,300.[4]
On January 1, 2023, as a result of the 2023 New Brunswick local governance reform, Dorchester was amalgamated with Sackville into the newly-formed town of Tantramar. Paying Hanson for the sculpture became less prioritized by the new town council,[9] resulting in individuals and organizations attempting to raise funds towards covering costs themselves.[10][8] On April 8, 2023, the new sculpture was transported to Dorchester and reinstalled by local volunteers rather than by municipal officials,[8] which was well-received by residents.[11] This resulted in controversy within the new council, with former Dorchester council member Debbie Wiggins-Colwell supporting Shep's return, while other officials, such as Tantramar mayor Andrew Black considering the statue to be an insurance and liability risk for the municipality.[12][13] After considerations were made that municipal codes of conduct violations had been made by Wiggins-Colwel,[3] a third-party investigation was conducted by Montana Consulting in October 2023, costing the municipality $19,167.11.[14] The investigation report concluded that Wiggins-Colwell made violations towards municipal codes of conduct, such as the "failure to respect the decision-making process and follow policies, procedures and bylaws."[14] Former Dorchester deputy mayor Kara Becker opposed the Tantramar officials' disapproval with Wiggins-Colwell, calling what they had done a "witch hunt"[3] and calling the investigation "an embarrassment for the municipality."[14]
See also edit
- The World's Largest Lobster, another animal sculpture in New Brunswick
References edit
- ^ a b c Butler, Erica (11 April 2023). "UPDATE: Shep is back, and Tantramar council votes to keep it » CHMA 106.9 FM". CHMA 106.9 FM. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- ^ Farley, Sam (17 November 2023). "Unauthorized sandpiper statue in Dorchester ruffles feathers at council". CBC News. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ a b c "New Brunswick councillor sanctioned over installation of giant sandpiper statue". CTV Atlantic. 17 November 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ a b Haggett, Derek (10 April 2023). "Shep the bird statue returns to Dorchester, N.B., but not without controversy". CTV Atlantic. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "Piper down: Village in New Brunswick wants giant sandpiper returned to pedestal". Global News. 26 March 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "Giant sandpiper statue returns to its roost in tiny New Brunswick village". Prince George Citizen. 9 April 2023. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- ^ Fowler, Shane (22 March 2023). "Giant sandpiper made of steel, fibreglass, epoxy — and a dash of controversy". CBC News. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ a b c Alam, Hina (9 April 2023). "Fly Away Home: fate uncertain for newly returned bird sculpture in Dorchester, N.B." The Canadian Press. Toronto Star. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- ^ "Piper down: Village in New Brunswick wants giant sandpiper returned to pedestal". Toronto Star. 26 March 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ Butler, Erica (17 March 2023). "Dorchester residents pitch the return of Shep the Sandpiper to village square » CHMA 106.9 FM". CHMA-FM. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ Alam, Hina. "A giant sandpiper sculpture has returned to an N.B. town — but its fate is uncertain". The Canadian Press. CBC News. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "Giant sandpiper statue finds permanent perch in New Brunswick village". Global News. 12 April 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "Giant sandpiper statue finds permanent perch in New Brunswick village". The Canadian Press. CTV Atlantic. 12 April 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ a b c Alam, Hina (26 February 2024). "N.B. municipality spent $19K to investigate councillor over giant bird statue". The Canadian Press. Retrieved 27 February 2024.