Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The stone statues at the Stanley Park entrance to the Lions Gate bridge have stood guard since the span opened 85 years ago.
They’ve been decorated for Christmas and were adorned with face masks during COVID. Now the stone lions are wearing giant blue and green Vancouver Canucks jerseys.
The day after the Canucks beat the Predators to take a one-game lead in the opening round of the playoffs, fans were happy to see the statues wearing the team colours.
“I like it because they are very solemn, they’ve been around all the time, and now they’re participating. I think it’s charming,” said one man, who peered at the statues from the Stanley Park causeway overpass.
Mystery surrounds the jerseys, which appear to be custom-made and are attached with heavy wire.
One passerby theorized the Canucks marketing department was behind the jerseys, and another suggested they could be the work of UBC engineers.
“They were probably put up in the middle of the night so nobody can see them,” said another woman. “It’s a mystery, nobody knows, I think that’s the exciting part of it all.”
It’s not the first time the lions have been adorned with Canucks jerseys. When they appeared on the stone statues during the Stanley Cup final run in 2011, a trio of thieves stole them. Police recovered and returned them days later.
“We have seen this in the past, whether it’s the Canucks or the Lions or other significant social events, various landmarks around the city often get dressed up accordingly,” said Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison, who hopes no one takes them during this playoff run.
“It’s part of the fun fan-friendly experience that kind of makes this time of year really cool.”
The police don’t know who made the jerseys and put them on the statues, and neither does B.C.'s Ministry of Transportation, which oversees the Lions Gate bridge.
While there is some concern the jersey-clad statues could be a distraction for drivers, the ministry said in an emailed statement it “recognizes the excitement in the city for Vancouver Canucks playoff hockey and will leave them in place for the time being.”
Fans hope the jerseys can stay as long as the Canucks are in the playoffs, and that they’re only removed when the teams hoists the Stanley Cup.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.