What happened to the “multiculturalism” statue in front of Union Station?

By the time you read this, the Monument to Multiculturalism should be safely back on its pedestal—though not everyone will be happy about it. Commissioned by the National Congress of Italian Canadians, the bronze sculpture of a faceless nude man was gifted to the city in 1985. Local artists denounced the work as kitsch and picketed at its unveiling, while other community members were scandalized by its prodigious phallus. But the Italian Stallion was ultimately allowed to stay. Alas, pigeons have been its most ardent admirers and were the agents of its guano-induced removal this summer. The piece was shipped off for spa treatments at a local foundry, including invigorating high-pressure CO2 blasts, an exfoliating chemical rubdown and a series of shine-restoring wax jobs. Next time you pass by, you might want to wear shades.