A Canadian city has faced public criticism after spending $212,000 of taxpayers’ money on three large sculptures designed to resemble rocks, which are reportedly made from plastic. The backlash centres on whether the installation represents good value for public money and whether residents were adequately consulted about the expenditure.

The article reports that the three oversized works were installed as public art, but their plastic construction has intensified criticism because of environmental and durability concerns. Supporters of public art may see the pieces as an investment in the city’s public spaces, while critics argue the cost is difficult to justify amid competing local spending priorities.