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Council rejects cash request for 'reinterpretation piece'

'We have no idea where this is going,' says Coun. Tim Lauer; Council agrees to hold off on funding request — for now

Orillia will not ante up cash to explore a reinterpretation of the Champlain Monument — for now.

During capital budget deliberations this week, city staff asked for $25,000 to add to the $25,000 pledged by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) to create an “interpretive piece that challenges the current depiction of the relationship between the first explorers and First Nations people in the area represented in the Champlain Monument.”

It’s the latest chapter in what has become a long and drawn-out struggle over the future of the massive bronze statue.

Crafted by Vernon March, and erected at Couchiching Beach Park in 1925, the statue has been a focal point of the park ever since.

But in 2015, Parks Canada, which owns the statue and the small piece of land on which it stands, determined the monument was in need of restoration.

So, the federal agency removed the statue and had it shipped away for its massive makeover. At the time, officials said it would be returned once it was finished.

Meanwhile, the plinth and stairs that housed the monument were destroyed and, eventually, replaced last fall.

However, the statue has not returned.

In the wake of the firestorm its removal created and the debate over its depiction of natives it sparked, Parks Canada has delayed its return.

Some fear it may never come back to the lakeside park.

To pave a path forward, Parks Canada created a Champlain Monument and Commemoration of Indigenous Peoples Working Group.

That group includes Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke, City Coun. Tim Lauer, Parks Canada, the ETFO, the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, the Huron Wendat Nation and members of the public.

Many believe that path forward must include an interpretive piece and that’s what precipitated the request for $25,000.

Council was divided on the issue and, particularly, the timing.

“As far as I’m concerned, the federal government should be paying for this as it is their monument and their land,” said Coun. Mason Ainsworth. “They are very big on the spirit of reconciliation, which I support … They should put the money toward this as it’s not a lot of money for them.”

Coun. Pat Hehn said the idea of a “partner installation is brilliant and I think this is something we should” be supporting. She said residents regularly inquire about the monument’s fate.

Mayor Clarke, who sits on the working group, said it’s been “an interesting process.” He said no decision has been made and noted an interpretive piece, if created, may not be on the small tract of federal land on which Champlain has stood.

“I don’t know where it’s going to end up, but there does seem to be consensus that there needs to be a reinterpretation piece,” said Clarke. “My belief is, at some point, the city will be asked to be involved, but my sense, at the moment, is it may be a little premature.”

But Jacqueline Soczka, the city’s manager of culture, said now is the right time.

“Securing funds at this time may seem premature, however the group has been challenged to come back with a recommendation on a path forward in early spring/June,” Soczka told councillors at budget deliberations this week.

She said she hopes to make a presentation to council by early March that outlines a public engagement strategy.

“Having funds earmarked for the project will allow us at that point, if there is something to move forward with, to move forward in a timely fashion,” Soczka said.

In addition, “putting some funds in the project helps us have a voice at the table,” she noted.

Lauer, also a member of the working group, had a different viewpoint.

“This is just a stab in the dark,” said the Ward 4 councillor, who added: “We have no idea where this is going” or how much, ultimately, the city may be asked to contribute.

“I agree with the notion Parks Canada needs to step up here,” said Lauer, urging his colleagues to “let this play out. When the time comes, we can react … and put money behind it. For now, I think we should wait until more information is available.”

The mayor stressed this money request “has nothing to do with the Champlain Monument coming back to its previous location. This money is a demonstration of support of an interpretation piece. The process is going to impact when the monument comes back.”


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Dave Dawson

About the Author: Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson is community editor of OrilliaMatters.com
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