By Ian Holmes

Iconic Nanoose gnome moving to Saanich

Mar 26, 2019 | 10:17 AM

PARKSVILLE — The world’s tallest gnome is leaving the mid-island region after arrangements could not be made to keep the nearly 30-foot landmark in Nanoose Bay.

Bridget Matewish, whose grandfather Ron Hale built the record-setting fixture on Hwy. 19 on top of Nanoose Bay hill, said the landmark named Howard is headed to Galey Farms in Saanich.

“Their ability to fix and repair him was a big factor, but also the exposure to family and kids which is what he was originally there for,” Matewish said.

She said staff at Galey Farms builds and repairs their own infrastructure and will properly restore Howard, who’s in need of extensive upgrades.

“It just made the most sense to go where he was going just because they have the set up for him and they don’t have to fight the same battles that some of the Oceanside candidates would have fought.”

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Matewish said local business Fast Time Grand Prix was a close second place, but said permitting challenges and a time crunch were in the way.

She estimated Howard will be disassembled into four pieces and transported to Saanich in the next two-to-four weeks.

The 20-year-old gnome was facing imminent removal after the current landlord Chevron became concerned with its deteriorating condition.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes