Lockeport, N.S., is considering installing a mermaid statue to boost tourism and highlight its heritage. The town, with a population of 476, is not a typical tourist stop due to its location off Highway 103. The town’s heritage and tourism committee proposed the idea of a five-foot wooden mermaid statue, to be coated with fiberglass and placed on a rock in the ocean. Craig Hillen, the town’s deputy mayor, believes the statue could draw visitors and increase tourism revenue.
Accompanying the statue is a story about a mermaid and a 19th-century fisherman, which will be accessible at the town’s visitor center or online. While Lockeport has no direct ties to mermaid folklore, Hillen sees the connection to the sea as significant. However, some residents, like former mayor Cory Nickerson, question the relevance of a mermaid statue to Lockeport’s true heritage. Nickerson believes the town should focus on promoting its authentic stories rather than mythological figures.
The proposal has sparked debate in the community, with some suggesting alternative statues related to fishing or maritime history. Despite differing opinions, the heritage and tourism committee plans to proceed with the mermaid statue as a lighthearted addition to the town. The project is set to be funded by donations and is estimated to cost under $5,000. Hillen aims to have the statue installed within the next year and a half, emphasizing that it is meant to be a fun attraction for visitors.