A city hall committee is standing by the controversial $1.4-million landmarks planned to signal the east and west entrances to Edmonton.

One of the winning designs for the Highway 16 marker is a red steel undulating ribbon that crosses the highway. The other is a massive leaning glass pyramid.

The leaning pyramid 'gateway' would mark the city's east entrance.
(City of Edmonton)

Many people have called and written to city hall and local media outlets to complain about the design and the cost. Callers to CBC Radio's Edmonton AM show called the markers "extravagent" and "ugly."

"Neither of these designs represents our wonderful city, nor do they represent any other city I can think of," wrote Kristian Tait to the Edmonton Journal.

The ribbon 'gateway' would mark the city's west entrance.
(City of Edmonton)

"They are embarrassing and tacky and do nothing to promote or enhance our city."

Shafraaz Kaba, the co-chair of the design committee that selected the two entries from a field of 18 proposals, called the two finalists bold and forward thinking.

"They need to be bold gestures. Something striking, something you will see and be captivated by, and something that you will glimpse at from a distance and as you approach it be drawn to it. And something also memorable."

City council still needs to approve a budget increase if the landmarks are to be constructed. Two city councillors have already vowed to kill the project.