A bold and dynamic design has been chosen for the LGBTQ2+ National Monument to be built in downtown Ottawa.
This design draws on the symbolism of a thunderhead cloud, which embodies the strength, activism and hope of LGBTQ2+ communities. It will be a lasting testimony to the courage and humanity of those who were harmed by the LGBT Purge, homophobic and transphobic laws and norms, and Canada’s colonial history.
Elements 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 LGBTQ2+ people in Canada and a healing circle ringed with stones hand-picked by Two-Spirit Elders. The monument surroundings will allow for large gatherings, performances and places for quiet reflection.
“Thunderhead” was conceived by a team based in Winnipeg that includes Liz Wreford, Peter Sampson and Taylor LaRocque of Public City; visual artists Shawna Dempsey and Lorri Millan; and Albert McLeod, Indigenous and Two-Spirited People subject-matter expert and advisor.
Elements 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 LGBTQ2+ people in Canada and a healing circle ringed with stones selected by two-spirit elders.
“We are both proud and honoured to be chosen to create this monument to the resiliency of the LGBTQ2+ community. We look forward to continuing to work with our amazing team and community stakeholders in the design of the disco-ball thunderhead. This monument will be a symbol of celebration and a space for reflection, healing, activism and performance for generations to come,” says Liz Wreford, principal landscape architect at Public City.
The monument will be located at the northeast side of Wellington Street, next to the Ottawa River, close to the Judicial Precinct.
The next steps are the detailed design development of the winning concept followed by construction of the monument. It is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
