Markham’s cow statue staying put, for now

Council votes 7-4 to keep sculpture on site until suitable location is found

Charity the cow isn’t going anywhere soon, and there’s confusion about where she will go when a decision is made on her future.

Markham councilors held a council meeting Tuesday night to determine what to do with the city’s infamous cow-on-stilts statue after a local developer wouldn’t change her position.

The statue was donated and installed this summer by developer Helen Roman-Barber. It has attracted hundreds of curious bovine art critics and lovers to the quiet neigh- bourhood of Cathedraltown, near Elgin Mills Rd. and Woodbine Ave.

“When I asked her if she had an intention, or willingness to open her mind to look at an alternative site, she said that was never her intention and she sees this as being the best location for her donation,” said Steven Chait, the director of economic growth, culture and entrepreneurship for the city of Markham. He said Roman-Barber was not open to discussion on moving the statue, even when she was informed the city would pay for it.

Last month, Markham councilors voted to move the now infamous cow statue, called Charity: Perpetuation of Perfection, after residents protested about the proximity of the stainless steel statue to their homes, the lack of consultation before installa- tion and the height of the art piece.

Charity, believed to be “the most perfect cow there ever was,” was partially owned by wealthy businessman, Stephen Roman, Helen’s father. It is believed the cow never even came to Markham, and spent her life on a farm in Port Perry.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti said he was against the idea of moving the cow.

Councillors struggled to decide if the statue should be removed immediately or if it should remain on Charity Cres. until a new location is found. After a recorded vote, council decided 7-4 to keep the “sculpture on site until a suitable location is found.”

Council also voted to give staff until the end of the year to come up with possible options of where the statue will go when the city assumes ownership of the statue.