The removal of the iconic Champlain Monument from Couchiching Beach Park has sparked a fierce debate in the community.
Many have voiced their views on social media and debated the issue at local coffee shops.
But now Orillians have a chance to weigh in on the matter and, potentially, have a say in what happens to the statue which had stood sentinel in the park since 1925.
The City of Orillia has created an online survey - available on their website until April 30 - to find out how people feel about the statue’s future. Click here to go to the survey.
The survey has just five questions.
The central question asks: “What is your preferred option for a path forward for the monument that is respectful and reflective of the area's shared history?”
The four options are:
- Reinstall as is with addition of educational and interpretive pieces adjacent to the monument;
- Bring back the figures but in a different configuration;
- Do not reinstall the Monument in the City of Orillia; or
- Other
If you choose other, there is a place to explain. You can even upload diagrams or photos or sketches to help make your case.
You are then asked why you decided on your answer.
The other central question focuses on the potential wording of the plaque that accompanies the monument.
The current wording is:
Erected to commemorate the advent into Ontario of the white race, under the leadership of Samuel de Champlain, the intrepid French explorer and colonizer who, with fifteen companions arrived in these parts in the summer of 1615, and spent the following winter with the Indians, making his headquarters at Cahiague, the chief village of the Hurons, which was near this place. A symbol of good will between the French and English speaking people of Canada.
Survey respondents are asked: “What would be your preferred option for the plaque?”
- Return it as is; or
- Update the wording
It’s a rather brief survey for an issue that is deep and emotional for many.
Orillia's Champlain Monument was the brainchild of Charles Harold Hale, publisher of the Orillia Packet and community advocate. He made the proposal after a trip to Quebec and St. John, New Brunswick, where monuments to Champlain exist.
The statue was created by English sculptor Vernon March and commissioned to mark the 300th anniversary of the French explorer's arrival to the region in 1615.
In its introduction to a discussion paper not yet published, the city website says: “Undeniably a remarkable artistic achievement honouring the French explorer, the Monument falls short in its accurate depiction of the reciprocal relationship Champlain had with the Huron-Wendat people and the important role they played in his trade mission and survival.”
That is at the crux of the debate. Many argue the statue reflects a point in history while just as many seem to believe an update or accompanying installation is needed to provide perspective more in keeping with a modern outlook.
To help stick-handle that delicate process, a joint Working Group was created last year. It has representation from Parks Canada, the City of Orillia, the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, the Huron-Wendat Nation, the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, and two citizens-at-large.
The group has a mandate to pursue public consultation and report back to council and Parks Canada on an appropriate path forward for the Champlain Monument that is “respectful and representative of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives.”
It is that Working Group that is behind the survey. They will also publish a discussion paper about the issue; it’s expected to be available on the city’s website soon.
The working group is also hosting three workshops in the coming weeks. Officials hope people will read the discussion paper, read the information on the city’s website and participate in a workshop before filling out the survey.
The workshop format includes a short presentation by the working group followed by a facilitated discussion with attendees. The dates for the workshops are as follows:
Workshop 1
- Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2019
- Time: 10 a.m. to noon
- Location: Swanmore Hall, Stephen Leacock Museum, 50 Museum Dr, Orillia
Workshop 2
- Date: Thursday, April 11, 2019
- Time: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Location: TBD
Workshop 3
- Date: Saturday, April 13, 2019
- Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- Location: Tournament Room, West Orillia Sports Complex, 100 University Avenue, Orillia
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
In 2015, Parks Canada, the owner of the monument and the land on which it stands, conducted an assessment of the structure following growing concerns associated with the steps and plinth. The monument was removed, as a result, for reconditioning and restoration - a process that began in 2017.
The bronze sculptures have been restored and are being stored offsite. A new foundation and staircase have been poured.
However, since the restoration began, concerns about the representation of Indigenous peoples were voiced by members of the public and Indigenous communities.
At the same time, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission completed its mandate, publishing 94 "calls to action" (or recommendations) to further reconciliation between Canadians and Indigenous peoples.
In it was a commitment from the federal government to a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership (Government of Canada website).
The combination of concerns prompted Parks Canada to place the project on hold until further consultation can occur.
The site will remain fenced until Parks Canada hears back from the working group and “can make a decision on an appropriate path forward for the monument that is respectful of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives.”
Parks Canada has asked the Working Group to report back with its recommendations by this summer.
