Time is running out to have your say on the future of Orillia’s Champlain Monument.
The iconic bronze statue, crafted by Vernon March and erected in Couchiching Beach Park in 1925, was removed by its owner, Parks Canada, in 2017 for restoration.
However, its departure sparked a fierce debate about, principally, its representation of Indigenous people.
As a result, Parks Canada put a halt on its return so that the community could be consulted.
In 2018, a joint working group was struck with 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 city 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.”
To gauge public sentiment, the Working Group has its own section on the city’s website. They encourage citizens to go there to participate in a short survey; deadline to complete the online survey is 4:30 p.m. April 30.
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
The group is also hosting public workshops to facilitate public participation.
The last two workshops are being held this week.
One workshop will be held tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Tudhope Boardroom at the Orillia City Centre.
The final workshop goes Saturday, April 13 from 1 to 3 p..m. in the Tournament Room at Rotary Place.
How did we get here? Click on this link to read a previous story.
For a more historical perspective, click here to read a story from last month.
