The city of St. Catharines says it will take a broad, consultative approach before determining the future of the Private Alexander Watson statue in front of city hall.
As a militia volunteer Watson died in 1885 from wounds sustained during the Battle of Batoche.
He was one of 8,000 soldiers sent by the Canadian government to stop the North-West Resistance headed by Metis leader Louis Riel.
There have been questions over the legacy of the statue and whether it is a symbol of racism and persecution in Canada?
Council deciding earlier this week, to remove the statue, but not before consulting with stakeholders on a future location.
Organizations to be consulted ahead of development of a relocation plan include:
- Heritage Advisory Committee
-Public Art Advisory Committee
- Anti-Racism Advisory Committee
-Descendants of the Watson family
-Niagara Metis Council
-Metis National Council;
-Niagara Regional Native Centre