Large sculptures of Hans Mes will be part of a reconstruction plan at Stadskanaal’s old canal to boost economy and tourism with art and an environmental upgrade. The sculptures will be carried out from the start of 2011. The group on the left called “The Workers Thrones” is a tribute to the workers who once dug the peat under the poorest circumstances and initiated the growth and prosperity of Stadskanaal. The other sculpture, called “Ways of City Spades” honours the workers that dug this ancient canal for peat shipping purposes.