South Bruce Peninsula council has given staff the go-ahead to buy a second Wiarton Willie mascot costume.
The item was up for discussion at Tuesday’s council meeting to access the $10,000 in the Festivals and Events Reserve for a new Willie suit.
In response to a question from Deputy Mayor Caleb Hull Tuesday, staff told councillors that reserve is made up of sponsorship dollars.
Deputy Mayor Caleb Hull commented on the request saying, “I just want the public to know that this is paid through sponsorships.”
He added, “I do want to see the Willie suit get used and there’s going to be normal wear and tear,” noting, “A second suit will allow groups to rent the Willie suit and use it for their festivities and promotions, while at the same time, the Town will have a back up suit.”
The last Willie suit purchased in 2013 from the Toronto based family-owned Sugars Mascots cost $5,700. The company also repairs the current Willie suit when needed.
They make handmade mascot costumes and have crafted familiar faces such as Sunny the Seagull of Sauble Beach, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays Mascots as well as the Owen Sound Police mascot ‘Buster.’