DEVELOPING
Gordie Howe Bridge immortalized through art
He has done it again.
Peter Solly, owner of MacDonald’s Automotive Supercentre on Eugenie Street East, has added to his collection of sculptures with his latest creation, a replica of the Gordie Howe Bridge.
“A friend of mine from Assumption High School called me and said Pete, you got to build a Gordie Howe for the Gordie Howe Bridge,” Solly explained.
“I'm thinking, okay, sounds great, but how am I going to do this? How am I going to incorporate a bridge with Gordie Howe?”
After some thought, he created a unique blend of the hockey legend and the sleekly designed bridge. Considered folk art, the sculpture has a blend of muffler parts and metal and took hours to weld and paint. The bridge features tin-sized Gordie Howe holding two hockey sticks with the Canadian and American flags as butt ends. The bridge deck came from a nearby sign.
“There was a real crazy accident here [near the shop] about two months ago where a lady drove over and cut the median sign right in half,” Solly said.
“Me and my son went to scavenge the parts off the side of the road and brought them back and this is the decking of the bridge.”
To put the proverbial cherry on top, Solly installed mini cars on the deck.
“This one is definitely my favorite one,” said Solly’s son, Josh. “A lot of work goes into it, painting, welding and obviously a lot of imagination as well. He [his dad] has a lot of that so I'm proud of him and I'm sure a lot of people are going to like it a lot.”
Solly knew he wanted to display the Gordie Howe Bridge in a public place. Ward 3 city councilor, Renaldo Agostino, learned of the sculpture and suggested the Art Gallery of Windsor. Officials were more than happy to welcome Gordie to the building.
“When I found out about this amazing art piece, I thought no better place than the AWE (Art Windsor-Essex), give people a chance to come down here and see this great gallery and see this great piece of work, the great piece of art of a great man.” Agostino said.
The sculpture can be found on the second floor, well lit by natural light in the south side staircase.
Solly has immortalized legends like Prince, The Blues Brothers and Taylor Swift, but doesn’t know how he’ll top the Gordie Howe Bridge.
“It’s gonna take some time. It’s gonna take some thinking. Sky’s the limit right?” Solly said with a laugh.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Live updates: Hurricane Milton leaves path of destruction in Florida
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction and immobilizing critical infrastructure. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
More than 3 million without power after Hurricane Milton slams Florida, causes deaths and flooding
Hurricane Milton barrelled into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after ploughing across Florida as a Category 3 storm, pounding cities with ferocious winds and rain, whipping up a barrage of tornadoes and causing an unknown numbers of deaths. It compounded the misery wrought by Helene while sparing Tampa a direct hit.
WATCH
WATCH Lightning flashes seen from space as Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida
Timelapse video of satellite imagery shows an impressive number of lightning flashes over Florida as Category 3 Hurricane Milton made landfall on Wednesday.
opinion
opinion Melania Trump reveals surprising pen pal friendship with King Charles III
In her column for CTVNews.ca, royal commentator Afua Hagan writes about the pen friendship we didn't see coming, between Melania Trump, the former first lady of the United States, and King Charles III.
Ontario man 'devastated' he owes $18,000 after 2 loans were fraudulently taken in his name
An Ontario man said he feels 'devastated' after learning his identity was stolen to take out two fraudulent loans under his name.
22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will retire from tennis after next month's Davis Cup finals
Rafael Nadal announced his impending retirement from tennis on Thursday at age 38 after winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles during an unprecedented era he shared with his rivals in the so-called Big Three, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Company must refund $1-million deposit after failing to complete West Vancouver home on time, court rules
A West Vancouver company has been ordered to repay a homebuyer's $1-million deposit after it failed to complete construction on the property in time.
Women say they were kicked off of Spirit Airlines flight for what they were wearing
Two Orange County women are speaking out after they say they were kicked off of a Spirit Airlines flight because of what they were wearing.
Taylor Swift donates US$5 million toward relief efforts in wake of Hurricanes Milton and Helene
Taylor Swift has made a significant donation toward helping those affected by hurricanes Milton and Helene.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Kitchener
-
Person struck by GO train in Kitchener has died, police confirm
One person was struck by a GO train, near the Kitchener station, on Wednesday morning.
-
Blast from decades past: What we found inside the walls at CTV Kitchener's former home
A former employee of CTV Kitchener has found a few memories buried in the walls of our old home at 864 King Street West.
-
Experts say lithium batteries are safe – if used properly
Lithium batteries, found in everything from cellphones to electric vehicles, have become a part of our daily lives – but recent fires have prompted concerns about their use.
London
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Live updates: Hurricane Milton leaves path of destruction in Florida
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction and immobilizing critical infrastructure. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
-
'How many lives we need to continue losing?': Son of fatal crash victim calling for intersection changes in Thamesford
This latest crash was the second fatal and third serious accident at this intersection in the past couple of months - when asked, locals said that the intersection is 'kind of blind.'
-
Knights win in OT
The London Knights were in Owen Sound Wednesday with some reinforcements back in the lineup.
Barrie
-
Barrie man accused of stabbing police officer denied bail
A Barrie man accused of assaulting a police officer in late September, which then became the topic of conversation in parliament last week, has been denied bail.
-
One person critically injured after being shot during armed robbery at gas station: OPP
Provincial police are investigating reports of an armed robbery in Amaranth Township that sent one person to the hospital in critical condition.
-
50 years of giving the gift of Christmas
Barrie and District Christmas Cheer celebrates 50 years of giving the gift of Christmas.
Northern Ontario
-
Sudbury ordered to reduce fee for FOI request to $11K
The Information and Privacy Commission has ordered Greater Sudbury to reduce the fee for a freedom of information request to $ 11,111 to provide details of how many animals were euthanized in a five-year period, among other questions.
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Live updates: Hurricane Milton leaves path of destruction in Florida
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction and immobilizing critical infrastructure. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
-
Members of North Bay-based 22 Wing participate in NATO air defense exercises in Greece
For the last few weeks, fighter jets have been spotted soaring over Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula, part of the ‘Ramstein Flag 24’ that includes military personnel from 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
International mining conference underway in Sudbury
An annual international mining conference is underway in Greater Sudbury, Ont., marking the first time the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Conference of Mining Regions and Cities has been held in North America.
-
Northern Ontario farmer breaks giant pumpkin records, taking top prizes in competition
Jeff Warner from Aidie Creek Gardens in the northern Ontario community of Englehart has a passion for growing big pumpkins and his effort is paying off in more ways than one.
-
Video shows dumpster diving black bear at Tim Hortons
A woman in Greater Sudbury, Ont., said "It doesn't get more Canadian than this" when she spotted a black bear dumpster diving at a Tim Hortons last month.
Ottawa
-
NEW THIS MORNINGNEW THIS MORNING 5 things to know about the Ottawa Senators this season
The Ottawa Senators kick off the 2024-25 NHL season tonight at Canadian Tire Centre. CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at what you need to know about the Senators this season.
-
Kanata residents living in 'horror' from rat infestation
Halloween is right around the corner, but residents of a South Kanata community say they've been living in what feels like a horror movie for over a month.
-
Warm temperatures on the way for the Thanksgiving weekend
Environment Canada's forecast calls for sunshine Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with temperatures ranging from 18 C on Friday to 14 C on Saturday and 11 C on Sunday. There is a slight chance of rain on Thanksgiving Monday.
Toronto
-
Police investigating after one person found dead at Brampton home
Peel Regional Police say homicide detectives have been notified after a person was found dead at a home in Brampton last night.
-
Canada's 'sluggish' housing market in recovery mode following interest rate cuts, Royal LePage forecast predicts
Royal LePage’s latest housing market forecast predicts a real estate rebound that will see Canada’s “sluggish” markets in recovery mode by spring following a third straight interest rate cut.
-
Ontario man 'devastated' he owes $18,000 after 2 loans were fraudulently taken in his name
An Ontario man said he feels 'devastated' after learning his identity was stolen to take out two fraudulent loans under his name.
Montreal
-
Minister confident of turning the tide on mental health in Quebec
Although he acknowledges that there is still a lot of work to be done in mental health, Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant is confident that he has succeeded in reversing the trend.
-
Old Montreal fire: another building owned by same landlord shot at overnight
Three young people aged 17, 19 and 20 were arrested after shots were fired late on Tuesday near Old Montreal.
-
Montembeault posts 47-save shutout, Canadiens blank Maple Leafs 1-0 in season-opener
Sam Montembeault made 47 saves, Cole Caufield scored the game-winning goal and the Montreal Canadiens opened the NHL season with a 1-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday at the Bell Centre.
Winnipeg
-
Human smuggling charge laid against Winnipeg man: RCMP
A 42-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged with human smuggling following an investigation near a Canada-U.S. border crossing in Manitoba.
-
New bill to regulate sale of machetes, other long-bladed weapons in Manitoba
A bill restricting the sale of long-bladed weapons was introduced in Manitoba Wednesday by Justice Minister Matt Wiebe.
-
Winnipeg landlord facing fines over mass apartment evictions
A Winnipeg landlord is facing $9,000 in penalties following a mass eviction at a Winnipeg apartment block this summer.
Edmonton
-
Congested roads a 'ticking time bomb,' say residents of fast-growing Edmonton neighbourhoods
Residents of communities like Allard say there are traffic snarls on local roads every morning, leading to dangerous driving.
-
Police release video of encampment found dug into hill under High Level Bridge
On Wednesday, Edmonton police posted video of a large encampment found excavated under the High Level Bridge in August.
-
Should magpies be Edmonton's bird? Here's how to cast your vote
Edmontonians are being asked to cast their ballot for the local bird they think best represents our city.
Calgary
-
Canadians brace for hurricane Milton as it hits Florida
As hurricane Milton slams into Florida, many Canadians living in the storm's path are preparing to evacuate or hunker down.
-
Man charged with arson following Calgary townhome explosion still in hospital
Calgary police say more charges are expected against a man accused of intentionally starting a fire that caused an explosion in northeast Calgary over the weekend.
-
1 dead in southwest Calgary collision between bus and car
One person is dead following a motor-vehicle collision in Calgary's southwest on Wednesday evening.
Regina
-
'Was a really dumb mistake': Sask. Party MLA nominee apologizes for using racist slur
A Saskatchewan Party candidate publicly apologized on Wednesday after it was revealed that he used a racial slur in caucus offices a year and a half ago.
-
Regina girl diagnosed with rare genetic condition faces limited treatment options
For Scarlett Hicks, everyday life is challenging, as the two-year-old lives with a long list of medical conditions.
-
Increased RCMP presence in Whitewood over robbery with firearm
Saskatchewan RCMP say a larger police presence in Whitewood is related to a report of robbery with a firearm.
Vancouver
-
'I'm incredibly lucky': Man who stole Vancouver police cruiser hit cyclist
It all happened within a matter of seconds. Christopher Taylor was biking near an East Vancouver park on a leisurely Sunday morning when he looked left to see a police cruiser barrelling toward him.
-
Parents of 13-year-old who died in B.C. homeless camp share their story in Ottawa
The parents of a teen who died of a suspected drug overdose are calling on the government to improve addiction and mental health care.
-
B.C. Green leader makes public safety announcement, misses Vancouver rally
On the heels of a commanding performance at the only televised leaders’ debate of the 2024 provincial election, the leader of the BC Green Party was scheduled to speak at a lively rally after making a public safety announcement in downtown Vancouver, but lost her voice and missed it at the last minute.
Vancouver Island
-
UVic PhD candidate working to bring first ever portable microplastics test kit to market
Abbas Motalebizadeh is a PhD candidate at the University of Victoria’s Mechanical Engineering Department and on Wednesday he was at the Victoria International Marina to test the Inner Harbour for microplastics.
-
Did John Rustad witness an overdose death on his way to the B.C. leaders' debate?
During the campaign, BC Conservative Leader John Rustad has repeatedly said people are "dying on the streets" in the province – and on Tuesday he claimed to have witnessed that very thing in downtown Vancouver while he was on his way to the leaders' debate.
-
Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo lauds B.C. Green Party in leadup to election
American actor and environmental activist Mark Ruffalo is weighing in on British Columbia politics, lauding the B.C. Green Party's stance on fossil fuels ahead of the Oct. 19 election.
Atlantic
-
Fourteen-year-old girl pleads guilty to manslaughter in Halifax teen's stabbing death
A 14-year-old girl has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old boy near a Halifax mall earlier this year.
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Live updates: Hurricane Milton leaves path of destruction in Florida
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction and immobilizing critical infrastructure. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
-
Man, woman from British Columbia die in Cape Breton crash
A man and woman from British Columbia died in a two-vehicle crash in Baddeck Inlet, N.S., on Monday evening.
N.L.
-
'Crack houses' across rural Newfoundland? RCMP has no reports supporting MP's claim
A Conservative MP from Newfoundland and Labrador says some small towns in his rural riding are overrun with crime, but police say they haven't received reports to that effect.
-
Self-identifying Indigenous group got $74M in federal cash, Inuit leader wants change
As millions in federal funding flow into a Labrador group whose claims of Inuit identity have been rejected by Indigenous organizations across Canada, a national Inuit leader worries the Liberal government is putting the rights of Indigenous Peoples at risk.
-
Marathon goat: Animal runner wins hearts and a medal after crashing Newfoundland race
He may not have logged the fastest time or even gone the full distance, but residents of a Newfoundland town agree the goat who unexpectedly joined the local weekend half marathon was the event's undisputed champion.
