Downtown location confirmed for Peterson statue

The corner of two Centretown streets will become the new home of legendary musician Oscar Peterson this summer.

 A life-sized statue of the jazz great is to be erected near the National Arts Centre on the corner of Elgin and Albert streets after the city's transportation committee approved the location on Wednesday.

The statue, designed by sculptor Ruth Abernethy, will depict Peterson seated on a bench beside a grand piano. 

A funadraising campaign to build the sculpture was launched last March and saw donations from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Liberal MP Bob Rae and Senator Tommy Banks.

The fundraising efforts have raised $80,000 so far and will need to raise another $130,000 to reach their goal of $210,000.

The statue is set to be unveiled on June 30 as part of Canada Day celebrations.