New waterfront sculpture pays homage to Hamilton’s electric history

To mark 125 years of electrical power in Hamilton, the Nikola Tesla Educational Corporation unveiled a new sculpture on Sunday titled “Empower.”

The 12-foot-tall sculpture is located near the Lakeland Pool along the Waterfront Trail, and honours the arrival of power in the City of Hamilton on November 12th, 1898.

The aluminum work is interactive and challenges people to find the multiple images that co-exist in the sculpture.

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Public Art Manager Peter Fortune, says it’s important for Hamilton to incorporate relevant and meaningful art pieces throughout the city.

“We’re trying to have public art that both references our past accomplishments and communities, but also that talks to why the city is the way it is, and this is one of those efforts,” Fortune said.

“We’re trying to ensure also that public art is reflective of the people of Hamilton, and this also represents that.”

The City of Hamilton contributed $200,000 to the sculpture, while the Nikola Tesla Educational Corporation covered the rest of the cost.