Monument on the way to Ottawa in recognition of LGBTQ2S+ history

Ottawa is getting a new national monument recognizing the history of discrimination faced by LGBTQ2S+ people in Canada.

The winning concept for the monument, named Thunderhead, was unveiled Thursday by Canada’s Minister of Heritage and members of the LGBT Purge Fund.

Created by a team in Winnipeg, the design draws on the symbolism of a thunderhead cloud, embodying the strength, activism, and hope of LGBTQ2S+ people.

The Purge Fund is a not-for-profit corporation that was set up to manage the settlement money from the historic 2016 nationwide class-action lawsuit brought on against the Canadian government by survivors of the LGBT Purge.

Michelle Douglas, the Fund’s Executive Director says the nearly $8 million monument was completely paid for by the Purge Fund.

Image of winning design “Thunderhead” ; Photo Credit: Government of Canada

The monument will be located on the northeast side of Wellington Street, next to the Ottawa River in the nation’s capital.

Douglas says the landmark’s design will include a sculpture that creates the imprint of a thunderhead cloud in mirrored tile, a pathway through a landscaped park that traces the history of LGBTQ2S+ people in Canada, and a healing circle ringed with stones hand-picked by Two-Spirit Elders. Stages around the monument will allow for performances and large gatherings.

It is slated to be installed by 2025.

***With files from Mo Fahim

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Puck drop date set for KIJHL season

The puck will drop on the 2025-26 KIJHL regular season on Friday, September 19, when the league’s 21 teams each embark on a 44-game schedule.

Council votes to bring Baker Street market back downtown

Following months of community debate and vendor frustration, Nelson’s Wednesday farmers market will return to it’s longtime home on Baker Street next week (July 16). 

Report makes six recommendations on event safety after Lapu Lapu festival tragedy

A report commissioned by the B.C. government after a deadly attack at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver makes a number of recommendations to improve security at public events.

B.C. SPCA welcomes proposed ban on exotic cats

The B.C. SPCA is welcoming proposed regulations from the B.C. government to ban all exotic cat species. 

RCMP seeking two men after explosion outside MLA Bowinn Ma’s North Van office

RCMP have released images of two men they believe were involved in an explosion last month in North Vancouver, which damaged the front door of the building housing the constituency office of B.C. NDP MLA and cabinet minister Bowinn Ma.
- Advertisement -