Back to SearchThe City of Kenora is excited to share that Husky the Muskie has a brand new look.
The rehabilitation project is now complete. The restored Husky the Muskie will be revealed as the scaffolding is removed later today. Everyone is encouraged to visit and admire the renewal of Kenora’s iconic mascot.
The City would like to thank Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and FedNor for supporting the restoration project. The project was paid for by their funding contributions and through the City of Kenora’s Municipal Accommodation Tax.
We would also like to acknowledge the professional team at Dinosaur Valley Studios. The artistic interpretation of the muskellunge fish has changed since 1967, with this restoration having its own realistic look. We are extremely pleased with this iteration by Dinosaur Valley Studios, and we are confident the iconic roadside attraction will be here for many to enjoy for years to come.
In the artist statement, Frank Hadfield, President of Dinosaur Valley Studios says, “After extensive research on the real fish, it was decided by our artists and designers to blend characteristics of the several sub-species of muskellunge, with a focus on the Tiger Muskie. There were also several requests from Kenora locals to redo the eyes in a more realistic representation. A view that we all agreed with.”
Hadfield continues, “We also noted that the original colour blended in with the surrounding foliage so well, that it was difficult to notice Husky when driving by. We decided to lighten his background colour, so that he stood out from the trees a bit more. This is not unusual in muskellunge, so this pattern was not outside the realm of possibility. After the painting was completed, the decision was made to apply a glossy sealcoat to produce the feel of a wet Husky the Muskie, leaping out of Lake of the Woods.“
About Husky the Muskie
Husky the Muskie is a 12-metre outdoor sculpture of a Muskellunge located in McLeod Park, in the Harbourtown Centre of the City of Kenora. The sculpture was first constructed in 1967 as a Canadian Centennial project by the Kenora Chamber of Commerce. The structure is a symbol to bring awareness to Ontario’s lakes and the prevention of water pollution.
Since its construction, the sculpture has received national recognition with its placement along the Trans-Canada Highway and the shores of Lake of the Woods. Husky the Muskie is a Kenora landmark and roadside attraction for local residents and seasonal visitors.
The original construction included a ton of steel, 36 sheets of plywood, 3,500 bolts, 700 lbs. of resin, 500 square feet of fiberglass matting and countless tubes of multi-colored paints. Since its original installation, the structure has been restored twice; once in 1980 and then again in 1994.
About Dinosaur Valley Studios
Dinosaur Valley Studios specializes in the design and fabrication of exhibits which have been displayed throughout the world at various museums, universities, interpretive centres and other learning institutions. Located in East Coulee, Alberta, Dinosaur Valley Studios has been in business since 2006. They operate a crew of five full time employees.
Media contact
Shaun Clifford, City of Kenora Manager of Parks and Facilities
807-467-2181
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