Monuments of Toronto - Part I

Monuments of Toronto - Part I

City-owned historical monuments and artistic installations enhance public spaces all over Toronto. The earliest monument dates to the beginning of the XIXth century while new acquisitions are added each year through commissions and donations.  Monuments and sculptures enliven municipal spaces, City parks, transit infrastructure, even bridges and underpasses. Here are some of the samples of Toronto's monuments and sculptures.

All the photographs have been taken by Elena.

A statue at the corner of Huron and Bloor streets.

Anadyomene. Sculpted in 1983 by Maryon Kantaroff. Donated by Senator Nancy Ruth. In honour of the women who walk here.

Crucifed Woman. Almuth Lutkenhaus. 1976.

A Reading Man with books

A Reading Man and his books, detail

This sundial is dedicated to the memory of Katie Anne MacTavish (1963-1993) by her classmates at Victoria University and the many friends whose loves she touched.

Sundail's base.

Dedicatory text on the Sundail's base.

Two fats ladies.

Al Purdy, celebrated Canadian poet (1918-2000).

Equestrian statue of King Edward VII. Originally standing in Edward Park, Delhi, India, this statue was erected on the present site through the generous subscriptions of the citizens of this area. This gift to the City of Toronto was made possible by the Government of India and the former Canadian High Commissioner to India, His Excellency The Right Honourable Roland Michener, C.C., C.D. Governor General of Canada, and brought to this City through the personal generosity of Henry R. Jackman, Esq., Q.C.. May 24, 1969. William Dennison, Mayor

Sir John. A. MacDonald (1815-1891). Canada's first prime minister was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and immigrated with his family to Kingston, Upper Canada, in 1820. A successful lawyer, he was elected to the provincial elgislatuer inm 1844 and became leader of the conservative party. He played a leading role in the effort to achieve a federal union of Britain's North American colonies which restulted in the Formation of the Dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867. MacDonald served as Prime Minister, 1867-1873 and 1878-1891, and under his administration large territories were added to Canada, a transcontinental railway built and settlement of the West encouraged. At his death Canada's autonomy, based on rapid economic development and a close Brithis-Canadian relationship, was assured.

Erected to the memory of the officers and men who fell on the battlefields of the north-west in 1885. Dulce et Decorum est pro patria mori.

Monument in the campus of the University of Toronto.

The 48th Highlanders of Canada Memorial. This regiment is a Canadian Forces Primary Reserve infantry regiment based in Toronto, parading out of Moss Park Armoury. The 48th Highlanders regiment is part of 4th Canadian Division's 32 Canadian Brigade Group. Hill 70, Passchendaele, Amiens, Drocourt-Queant, Canal du Nord. Ever since its formation in 1891, the 48th Highlanders have had a longstanding tradition of participation in the life of the city of Toronto. Landing in Sicily, Assopo, Campobasso, Optona, Liri Valley, Hitler Line, Gothic Line, Rimini Line, Lamone Crossing, Apeldoorn.

Lieutenant-Colonel John Graves Simcoe (1752-1806). First Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada between 1791 and 1796. Founder of the City of Toronto on July 30th, 1793.