Simcoe County is poised to invest $56,000 to create a limited-edition series of bronze busts of John Graves Simcoe.

It would be the county’s first foray into the realm of public art – and the collection would feature two larger, 24-inch busts, one that would be displayed at the county’s administration centre in Midhurst, the other at the Simcoe County Museum.

The county’s Performance Management Committee approved the plan, which would also include two editions of 12-inch busts that could be used as fundraisers or as gifts to dignitaries, perhaps displayed on Parliament Hill or at Queen’s Park. The decision still must be ratified by council, when it meets June 24.

County Warden Tony Guergis said the sculptures are an opportunity to not only honour the area’s history, but also to give prestige to the region and help brand the county as a creative, desirable place to invest.

“This would be an opportunity to honour our namesake. It will be an achievable start and would allow for something here and at the museum,” said Guergis.

“I don’t think we’ve done a lot to brand ourselves. This is a very small step in terms of where we need to go. There will be occasions and we’re getting more recognition as we grow. Art is appreciated and gives credibility to the residents who live here and a history we can be proud of. Simcoe County is the birthplace of Ontario. We need to honour that.”

Nationally renowned sculptor Marlene Hilton Moore would be commissioned to produce the pieces; Hilton Moore is best known for the Valiants Memorial in Ottawa, a series of bronzes of 14 Canadian war heroes erected in Confederation Square.

Her work on that project had to meet the critical eyes and standards of an array of museum, history and art professionals, the warden added. Furthermore, she lives and works in Simcoe County.

Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor David White supported the plan; recently his town unveiled a sculpture of Elizabeth Gwillim Simcoe in downtown Bradford, and it is slightly under life size. He suggested the county erect a larger-than-life sculpture of John Graves Simcoe, in addition to commissioning the busts.

But Ramara Township Deputy Mayor Basil Clarke wasn’t quite so enthusiastic.

“I’m having a hard time with the small busts. I don’t see us getting the kind of money back, he said, referring to the report that estimated each one costing about $2,000.

“As someone who doesn’t appreciate art, I won’t pay that kind of money.”

Essa Township Mayor David Guergis disagreed. “We’re a $450-million corporation. We’re looking at a $120-million building and to spend a couple hundred thousand dollars more, it shows. This is a great idea.”

He added the smaller busts could be an effective fundraising item, as there is a lot of interest in art.

“It’s great to have public art, especially of a historical nature,” added Collingwood Mayor Chris Carrier.