Mr. PG captures the Great Canadian Landmark Contest

by Sean Meyer, Municipal World
in Arts and Culture, Stories, Tourism
October, 2024
Mr. PG Prince George’s historic Mr. PG has been chosen as the winner of Municipal World’s inaugural Great Canadian Landmark Contest. Photo: City of Prince George

With 76 entries from across the country and thousands of votes cast, Municipal World is proud to announce that Prince George’s historic Mr. PG has been chosen as the winner of the inaugural Great Canadian Landmark Contest.

Mr. PG captured more than 500 votes to secure the win. 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.

“You can’t deny the importance of local landmarks, and their role in uniting and shaping our communities,” said Municipal World CEO Anthony Gibbons. “Landmarks play a crucial role in representing the history, identity, and pride of our towns and cities. The contest submissions have brought that to light in a remarkable way, and we are excited to share them with our audience.”

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The History of Mr. PG

Giant wooden statue standing in a public green space.

Mr. PG is a beloved mascot and monument in Prince George, B.C., symbolizing the city’s forestry industry since 1960. Photo: City of Prince George

The idea for Mr. PG originated with Harold Moffat in the late 1950s. He believed that Prince George needed a mascot, one that could promote the forest industry and represent the city. 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.

Mr. PG 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. Mr. PG was eventually placed on permanent display in front of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce.

In 1970, he was moved to the intersection of Highways 16 and 97. In 1983, the old wooden version was replaced with the current 8.14-metre-tall metal and fiberglass Mr. PG.

In 2012, Mr. PG moved to his current location when the Visitor Information Centre was relocated.

Best Wishes from City Hall

Upon hearing the news of Mr. PG’s victory, Prince George Mayor Simon Yu said he was thrilled the community icon was being recognized by the voters in the Canadian Landmark Contest.

“This beloved figure has stood for generations, welcoming residents and visitors alike, reminding them that they are home,” Yu said. “Mr. PG symbolizes the pride, spirit, and history of our community, and it’s an incredible honour to see him celebrated on a national stage. This victory reflects the dedication and heart of everyone who calls Prince George home. Thank you to all who voted and helped share our story.”

For more information on Mr. PG, visit www.princegeorge.ca/community-culture/heritage/mr-pg.  MW

✯ Municipal World Executive and Essentials Plus Members: You might also be interested in Michael Seaman’s article: Grimsby shows the way to making heritage sites accessible.

Sean Meyer is digital content editor for Municipal World.

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