Public Hearing Called for Dispute Over 10-Story High Buddha Statue in Richmond

June 15, 2005

Source: CBC News

http://vancouver.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=bc_buddha-statue20050615

On June 15, 2005 CBC News reported, "Richmond city council has voted to send plans for a controversial 10-storey high Buddha statue to a public hearing. Mayor Malcolm Brodie says there are advantages and disadvantages to having the biggest Buddhist statue in North America built at the Lingyen Mountain Buddhist temple. 'On one hand, people would see a very beautiful architectural piece. One that would add to the interests and the dimensions of our city,' he says. 'And on the other hand, it is in the middle of what has been an agricultural area. Notwithstanding that it is surrounded by religious institutions now. But it is on flat land and it would be a very imposing set of buildings.'"