The iconic Victoria mascot that has been synonymous with the region’s raw sewage issue for more than a decade has officially been relieved of its duties.

U.S. and Canadian dignitaries held a retirement party for Mr. Floatie in Seattle on Friday.

Tourism Victoria flew the mascot, local media including CTV News and the city’s mayor to the party.

It was a light-hearted celebration with a retirement cake and a special sash, but the event was also symbolic of something much greater than a walking and talking turd.

For years Washington State has criticized Greater Victoria’s inability to deal with its sewage.

“Greater Victoria has faced threats of tourism boycotts for over 20 years,” said Paul Nursey, President and CEO of Tourism Victoria. 

Mr. Floatie, created by elementary school teacher James Skwaro, announced he was voluntarily stepping down after the region adopted a plan last September to build a treatment facility by 2020.

Nursey is hopeful with the new centre on the way, people from Washington State will come visit the B.C. city.

He says Friday’s event marks the beginning of a better future.

“We’re going to see the benefit of this, the region is going to see the benefits, there’s going to be more jobs, more investments,” Nursey said.

The U.S. Consul General in Vancouver had a similar reaction and said it’s the end of a really difficult time in relations between B.C. and Washington State.

“A huge win for clean water, a huge win for the bilateral relationship and I think that it really is an opportunity for folks in British Columbia and in Washington State to celebrate,” said Lynne Platt.

Some dignitaries say it’s a step in the right direction, but they’ll celebrate once the sewage facility is completed. 

“It’s totally crazy we’ve been waiting 30 years,” said Matt Morrison, executive director of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region. “It’s a big issue, we really care about clean water and this is a beginning, but it ain’t the end.”

Mr. Floatie first surfaced in Victoria on April Fool’s Day in 2004 as part of a spoof organization People Opposed to Outfall Pollution, or POOP.

With shovels in the ground at McLoughlin Point, the site of the new sewage treatment centre, the seven-foot feces says it’s time to move on.

“I’m a little attached to Mr. Floatie, at the same time I’m tired of wearing that piece of you know,” Skwaro said.

With files from The Canadian Press