Nearly six decades after it was built to give travellers a reason to stop in Kenora, Husky the Muskie has won a national landmark contest.
The giant fish overlooking Lake of the Woods won Municipal World’s 2026 Great Canadian Landmark Contest. Other finalists were Chuck the Channel Catfish in Selkirk, Man., and Alpine Archie in McCreary, Man.
The contest attracted 19 nominations and more than 1,000 votes nationwide, according to Municipal World. The award was presented Oct. 17 at the Communities in Bloom Symposium & Awards Gala in Montreal, where Andrew Smith, Kenora’s general manager of recreation and culture, accepted a commemorative magazine cover recognizing the win.
Standing about 12 metres tall in McLeod Park, Husky has watched over the waterfront since 1967, when the Kenora Chamber of Commerce created it as a Canadian centennial project.
Mayor Andrew Poirier told Municipal World the sculpture represents Kenora’s connections to its surroundings, tourism, history and business community.
“It’s a very important symbol in our community,” he said.
The idea took shape as communities across Canada were building roadside attractions to catch the attention of passing motorists, according to a history published by the Lake of the Woods Museum.
Kenora Chamber members settled on a sport fish at the lake’s north endThey unveiled the fish. A committee chaired by Marc Marcino raised $5,000 within months from businesses and individuals, while Jules Horvath of Deluxe Signs designed a scale model.
The fish was unveiled on July 1, 1967. Its name came about a month later.
A public naming contest brought suggestions ranging from Leaping Lizzie and Peter the Pike to Muskinozha and Igotaway.
Bill Brabrooke supplied the winning entry. Although others had suggested “Husky,” Brabrooke included a message that helped his submission stand out: “Husky the Muskie says Prevent Water Pollution.”
The museum’s account notes that there were even hopes the fish could become a clean-water mascot, similar to Smokey Bear in forest-fire prevention.
Keeping the landmark standing has required work over the years, including a major reconstruction in 1995.
Poirier said the award puts Kenora in the national spotlight and recognizes residents’ pride in the community. He told Municipal World the city continues to invest in Husky’s upkeep so future generations can enjoy it.
Previous contest winners include the giant treble clef in Salmon Arm, B.C., in 2025 and Mr. PG in Prince George, B.C., in 2024.
