A proposal by an internationally-known sculptor to do a statue of the late Tommy Douglas has found support in the city where "The Greatest Canadian" began his work.

A group of Weyburn citizens were informally discussing the possibility of honouring Douglas with a statue, when a story appeared in the Dec. 7 issue of the Weyburn Review expressing the desire of a sculptor to do just that.

The sculptor, Lea Vivot, plans to do bronze castings of a statue of T.C. Douglas (which is yet to be sculpted), and has asked for public input about where the castings should go. She said she would personally like one to go by his church where he began his ministry, along with one possibly at the place of his birth, and one in a highly-public area. Ultimately, she wants the location to be determined by the people.

One of the local citizens who had been interested in commissioning a statue, former United Church minister Ross McMurtry, came forward on Tuesday to indicate there is a high level of interest in the community for just such a statue.

"A few of us wanted to have a life-size statue of Tommy placed in a prominent place downtown where it would have maximum exposure. The idea was met with a great deal of enthusiasm," said McMurtry.

He drew up an e-mail that he is sending to Vivot, in which he stated their discussion about a statue had begun before the news broke about her proposed sculpture.

"One suggestion met with a lot of approval was (to place the statue) on the newly-created 'boardwalk' along the river bank, which cuts through the downtown area, adjacent to the intersection of two highways which quarter the city of 10,000 people," said McMurtry in his e-mail. "Some have already indicated their support for this project by promising to write cheques to help with what ever expenses would be involved. So you can see we are serious in this possibility and are absolutely delighted with the news that you would like to gift a statue to the community so dear to Tommy's heart."

McMurtry noted that the city has struck a committee to look into the idea of a "Walk of fame" which would include honouring Tommy Douglas.

"Many here feel strongly that Weyburn is the place to recognize Tommy in this way, and would be grateful for any suggestions as to what we might do to honour Tommy in this way," concludes the e-mail. McMurtry noted he wrote the message merely as an interested citizen, but pointed out he has found a high level of interest throughout the community with many people he has talked to.

"You have to start with an idea for people to consider, or you don't get good input," said McMurtry.

Vivot said she would like input on the sculpture as well as on its location, and her e-mail address and examples of her work can be found on her web-site at www.leavivot.com.