Huntsville Council agrees to install 6-foot bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi

The bronze is one of two municipalities chosen by India

Huntsville Council agreed to install an over 6-foot bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the Town, in the November 24^th, 2025, meeting.

Staff reported that on August 11, 2025, the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillor, Scott Morrison, and the Town’s CAO met with diplomats from the Consulate General of India to discuss the idea.

The report adds that the Town was chosen as 1 of 2 chosen municipalities in Ontario to receive a statue, although similar statues have been installed in other communities across Canada “to foster people-to-people connections, celebrate cultural ties, and highlight the richness of our collective diversity.”

It adds that the Town was chosen because of “efforts to foster inclusiveness in building welcoming communities, celebrating diversity, and for embracing symbols of unity and peace.”

The Consulate expressed: “This gesture would stand as a lasting tribute to the community’s openness and dedication to fostering dialogue, respect, and peaceful co-existence. Installation of Mahatma Gandhi statue would strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties between India and the Muskoka region,” according to the staff report.

Councillor, Cory Clarke, expressed concern that the statue could “lead to more requests for more statues of different types,” and uncertainty that it’s what residents want in town.

Councillor, Helena Renwick, indicated that it’s a “unique opportunity” that the Town was chosen out of two Ontario communities, and supported the idea of inclusiveness.

She added that it could create issues however “because Gandhi was controversial” with views some people don’t agree with, such as “what he said about South Africa.” However, she suggested to “keep politics out…but that will come.”

Alcock, suggested it’s like other famous people. “They’re not without some blemishes, for sure.”

She continued that the Consulate expressed they “value this town that’s embraced our community.”

“It’s a gesture of tremendous goodwill,” she said.

Other Council members expressed support for the installation of the statue, believing it’s fitting with the Town’s policies, however, mentioned that although the statue was paid for the Town will be responsible for ongoing maintenance and repair costs, and inquired about whether the public will have a say.

Staff indicated that the initial request was evaluated by the Art Society, Chamber of Commerce, and Muskoka Arts & Crafts, before being presented to Council, and is in line with the Town’s Strategic Plan relating to inclusivity. They added, “There’s challenges putting this into the public realm.”

They added, “I believe we’ve done our due diligence in assessing… [We’re] showing residents and others we are inclusive and these are the values important to us.”