Waterloo's First Public Artwork Stolen From Uptown Parkade
By @sharedot · · 7 pages
- Art
- Public Art
- Waterloo
- Sculpture Theft
Waterloo police seek a $175,000 bronze sculpture by Ann Roberts — the city's first public artwork — stolen in October from an uptown parkade.
What happened
A 1981 bronze sculpture has vanished from uptown Waterloo. City staff reported the artwork missing on October 29, and Waterloo Regional Police opened an investigation into the theft of a piece valued at approximately $175,000, as CBC News, CityNews Kitchener and CTV News all report.
The work, called 'Triad: Dual, Interface and Reunited,' was made by local artist Ann Roberts and stood near the parkade at 60 King Street South.
Why this theft stings
This is not just any public artwork. According to CityNews Kitchener, 'Triad: Dual, Interface and Reunited' was the first piece of public art ever commissioned by the City of Waterloo, back in 1981.
CBC News describes the sculpture as referencing bones, armour and helmets to introduce 'hope and regeneration into the detritus of harsh and menacing war time conflicts.'
Losing a founding artwork of the city's public art collection is a blow to the community's cultural memory, not just a property crime.
The evidence so far
Police say the exact date and time of the theft remains unknown, with city staff only noticing the work missing on October 29 — meaning the bronze could have been gone for an unknown stretch of time before anyone reported it.
CBC News reports investigators are urging anyone who saw suspicious activity near King Street South and Willis Way to come forward. CityNews Kitchener notes the sculpture's former spot sits across from Waterloo Public Square, a busy uptown location, and says tips can go to 519-570-9777, ext.
6399.
The stakes for public art
The City of Waterloo framed the loss in terms beyond dollars.
According to CBC News, Sonya Poweska, culture program specialist at the city, said 'theft of public artwork is particularly disappointing because these pieces belong to the entire community,' adding that public art helps make public spaces welcoming, engaging and unique.
Roberts' family is 'deeply saddened' and hopes the sculpture will be returned so it can once again be enjoyed by the community, the outlets report.
What comes next
The investigation continues, and the hope among the city, police and the Roberts family is recovery and restoration of the sculpture to its uptown site.
CBC News situates the case in a broader context of recent art thefts, listing related stories from statue thefts to expert commentary that recent art thefts appear to be inspired by the 2025 Louvre heist.
For now, Waterloo residents are being asked to keep watch for the distinctive bronze work — a piece of the city's own art history missing in plain sight.