By Ian Holmes

Gnome man’s land: iconic Nanoose Bay landmark will be destroyed without new home

Mar 4, 2019 | 1:13 PM

NANAIMO — Time is running out to save a beloved Nanoose Bay landmark from the scrap heap.

Bridget Matewish, whose grandfather Ron Hale built the world’s largest gnome on Hwy. 19 on top of Nanoose Bay hill, said the owners of the Chevron gas station plan to dismantle the structure by April 30.

Matewish appealed on Facebook to find a new home for the famous nearly 30-foot high mascot.

“To know that he’s that important to other people in the community, not just people that were raised with him, it’s really nice for us to hear because my grandfather only passed away a year-and-a-half ago.”

Matewish said the owner’s of the Chevron earlier pledged to repair the 20-year-old gnome, but recently changed their tune.

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The statement sent to Matewish last week cited liability concerns and the requirement for a signed release form.

“The risk of moving the gnome from the facility and returning it to a new base along with the future potential risk of the gnome failing and causing an accident was a risk the business no longer wants to be liable for,” a statement sent to Matewish said.

Matewish said businesses in the region have shown interest in preserving the gnome, which she said has deteriorated in recent years due to neglect.

“We want him to go to a home where he is going to be appreciated, visited, that he will still have lots of photos and we would love that to be in the Oceanside community,” Matewish told NanaimoNewsNOW.

She said the gnome, known as Howard, was built primarily from recycled items on the property with help from her grandmother, who was an artist.

The iconic gnome quickly became the face of Gnome Man’s Land, a former theme park featuring go-karts and a giant slide.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes