Harbour Grace to install cameras following Earhart statue theft

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The theft of Harbour Grace’s Amelia Earhart statue has convinced council to install cameras in the Spirit of Harbour Grace Park, the place where the statue once stood.
The statue of the famed aviator who had historic ties to Harbour Grace thanks to her pioneering aviation exploits, was stolen April 24, shocking residents and council members. The provincial government has since offered to contribute $50,000 towards the statue’s replacement.
At the town’s May 12th Harbour Grace council meeting, a decision was made to install cameras at the park, which is named for a Douglas Aircraft Corporation DC-3 plane displayed there.
The motion to install cameras came from the Town’s finance committee, and was voiced by councillor Gordon Stone.
“Due to the emergency nature around Spirit of Harbour Grace Park, I move we accept Rock Island Security and Innovation’s bid to install security cameras there in the amount of $4,693 plus HST,” said Stone. Deputy Mayor Keith Skinner seconded the motion with everyone else voting in favour ensuring its unanimous passage.
The offer from the provincial government to replace the statue was made during the Harbour Grace Sports Hall of Fame and Town Awards on May 8 when local MHA and cabinet minister Pam Parsons announced the town will receive $25,000 this year, and $25,000 next year to go towards the project.
As for the original statue, Mayor Don Coombs is still hopeful it will come home. At the council meeting, he implored anyone with information about the theft to contact the RCMP.
“We all want her back,” said the mayor. “I don’t care how many pieces she’s in.”
The statue’s sculptor, Luben Boykov, has told the Town that if it is found in pieces, he can put it back together.