The legend that is Mr. PG has reached a new high.
The city’s iconic attraction has taken top spot in the Great Canadian Landmark Contest hosted by Municipal World.
Mr. PG beat out 75 other entries from across the country after receiving 500 votes.
The rest of the top five included Bosun Hall, the community gathering place, in New Denver, B.C.; the Sleeping Giant land formation in Thunder Bay, Ont.; the wooden statue of Don Cherry and Blue in Mortlach, Sask.; and the giant statue of Muddy the Mudcat in Dunnville, Ont.
Earlier this month, city council sought more information on possibly moving the mascot from its current location at the intersection of Highways 16 and 97 to Canada Games Plaza to realign him with the new Visitor Information Centre
The idea for Mr. PG originated with Harold Moffat in the late 1950s.
Moffat approached Hans Roine, a local Rotarian and sawmill owner, with the idea. By 1960, the first Mr. PG was created. Five feet tall and made entirely of wood, he stood outside the former Simon Fraser Hotel.
Mr. PG was an instant hit, leading the city to build a larger 11.6-metre (38-foot) version atop a parade float for the 1961 Elks May Day Parade.
He then went on the road, winning first place in the Kelowna Regatta parade and second prize in the Pacific National Exhibition parade.
Mr. PG gained national recognition when he appeared in the 1963 Grey Cup Parade in Vancouver.
In addition, he was eventually placed on permanent display in front of the Chamber of Commerce, then located at the corner of George Street and 1st Avenue.
In 1970, he was moved to the intersection of Highways 16 and 97. Thirteen years later, the old wooden version was replaced with the current metal and fiberglass Mr. PG. He stands 8.14 metres (27 feet) tall and contains a time capsule in his chest.
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