The city has waived the encroachment fees for 11 new statues to be constructed along the sidewalk at the intersection of Preston Street and Gladstone Avenue.
The fees are usually applied to businesses and construction companies that block the city’s right of way.
At 7.2 metres, the “Bambino” statues, made of granite, concrete and coloured glass will provide Little Italy with a gateway feature that celebrates the importance of soccer among the Italian community.
The Preston Street Business Improvement Area has been working on the project for months and will cover all the construction expenses.
Now that the city has endorsed the project construction could begin as soon as this summer, or as late as next spring.