The love is gone in Halton Hills as romantic sculpture taken away

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Published January 18, 2023 at 2:50 pm

A heart-shaped sculpture meant to symbolize ever-lasting love has been removed from an Acton parkette.

The “I Love Acton” metal art piece was just installed last fall at the corner of Main and Mill Sts. and based on the bridge in Paris, France where couples attach a padlock and throw away the key to recognize an everlasting bond.

However, the local attraction was deemed to be a potential safety hazard and removed by the Town.

The notice of the removal was posted on social media channels of the Dowtown Acton Business Improvement Area (BIA).

“In case you are passing by the parkette and see that the Love Lock Heart is missing,” the message on Facebook reads. “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Love Lock Heart was taken down today (Jan. 17) as a precautionary measure due to concerns from the Town of Halton Hills safety requirements.”

The sculpture was created by artist Doris Treleaven and sponsored by Nancy Wilkes Acton Optical through the BIA.

Halton Hills says because the artwork was on public property it should have gone through a proper vetting process before it was installed which includes approval by the Public Art Advisory Board as well as going through safety checks.

A report presented to the Town indicates the sculpture was poorly fastened and was a danger to children if they climbed on it.

One resident who noticed it missing today said the artwork was a unique feature of the neighbourhood.

“I’m sad to see it gone,” said Liz Trauten. “I was hoping to come by with my kids to put a lock on it.”

The BIA is working with the Town to find a solution that will allow the sculpture to be reinstalled if not at the original location, then somewhere else in Acton.

 

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