City: Chez Ma Grosse Truie Chérie Pig Sign Can Stay

Icon or eyesore, the massive sow that adorns the Papineau side of Chez Ma Grosse Truie Chérie is here to stay. After four years of litigation and six statements of offense, the borough of Ville-Marie has finally granted the Québécois-style brasserie a waiver, reports Le Devoir.

Owner Harold Côté attempted to skirt the city's signage bylaws - specifically on size and protrusion from exterior walls - in 2010 by classifying the pig installation by sculptor René Casavant as a work of art.

"It's like a unique work. There is no mold for a sign like this. I think it's very attractive," Côté told Le Devoir.

Ville-Marie had different ideas, however, and a long legal battle ensued. Côté feels somewhat vindicated with the outcome and admits that it was his intent from the start to provoke a reaction on what is a very busy urban intersection.

The battle is not quite over just yet. If the file receives the endorsement of elected Ville-Marie officials today, the matter will be subject to a public consultation on September 24 and receive a final approval of the borough council on October 14.

· Chez Ma Grosse Truie Chérie [Official Site]
· Chez ma grosse truie chérie pourra garder son enseigne [Le Devoir]
· All Red Tape Coverage [-EMTL-]