It's been dried out, sanded, painted and reinforced and now the Market Square Timepiece is standing proud once again. The statue, built by local artist John Hooper in 1983, needed some major repairs.
Cultural affairs officer Bernard Cormier tells CHSJ News it was regularly scheduled maintenance that needs to happen every 14 years as the statue is constantly exposed to the elements. The word was undertaken by woodworker Darren Byers, original concept designer Jack Massey, and Kathy Hooper-- the wife of the Late John Hooper, who helped paint the statue along with her daughter Sue.
The restoration is almost complete and timepiece is looking visibly brighter and refreshed just in time for cruise ship season. The only remaining step is replacing the famous figures at their places on the bench.