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.

St. Joseph Oratory

St. Joseph Oratory

Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal (Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal) is Canada's largest church, a Roman Catholic basilica located on Westmount Summit in Montreal, Quebec. The basilica is dedicated to Saint Joseph. A reliquary in the church museum contains Brother André's heart, which he requested as a protection for the basilica. Millions of visitors and pilgrims visit the Oratory every year.

On 2 April 2004 Canada Post issued Saint Joseph's Oratory, Quebec in the 2004 Tourist Attractions series. The stamp was designed by Catharine Bradbury & William Stewart based on a photograph by Bernard Brault. The 49¢ stamps are perforated kiss cut and were printed by Lowe-Martin Company Inc.

Joseph, Hope of the Sick: Benevolent Joseph, the Son of God placed his life in your hands. With Mary, you cared for Him who is the force of life. May your compassion enfold our fragility, bringing us the comfort of the divine presence. We join you in prayer, saying "Lord Jesus, Son of the Living God, say a word for our healing!" Make us sensitive to the illnesses of those close to us. Support our efforts and gran us courage in the fight against all evil. Help us to find meaning in God's great project for humanity beyond the sicknesses and sufferings that blind our sight. The love of God be with us, as our hope lies with Him! Amen.

All the pictures have been taken by Elena.

Place for reflections.

St-Joseph Crypte.

The statue of Carrara marble behind the main altar is the work of the Italian artist Giacomini and was erected in 1917. 

The eight stained glass windows by the Montréal firm of Perdrieau and O'Shea were installed in 1919. They represent various episodes in the life of Saint Joseph.

Memorare to Saint Joseph: Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never has it been known that anyone who asked for your help and sought your intercession was left unaided. Full of confidence in your power, I turn to you and beg your protection. O foester-father of the Redeemer, listen to my humble prayer, and in your goodness hear and answer me. Amen 

St-Joseph central nef.

Crypt Church: As Brother Andre's chapel was becoming too small, a Crypt Church was built between 1915 et 1917 according to plans drawn up by architects Dalbé Viau and Alphonse Venne.

In 2004, the Oratory was designated a National Historic Site of Canada on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. 

Tomb of Brother André: Brother André died on January 6, 1937 at the age of 91. 

This tomb was first placed in the Crypt Church, then moved temporarily in 1944 and finally transferred to this alcove in 1949. The black granite vault was donated by the Honorable Maurice Duplessis, Premier of the Province of Québec from 1936 to 1939 and from 1944 to 1959. 

The artist Henri Charlier created the fresco above the tomb in 1937. It represents the Instruments of Passion, a central devotion of Brother André's faith, and pays tribute to the Oratory's founder with the three latin words: Pauper, Servus et Humilis (poor and humbe servant).

O Mary, my gentle mother and mother of my gentle Saviour, look upon me kindly and come to my aid. Joseph.

The orgue.

The temple as seen from Westmount.,

Central hall.

Passage on the first floor.

Walls behind the temple.

Painting on the wall.

St Joseph's Oratory is located at 3800, chemin Queen Mary, Montreal, Quebec, area code H3V 1H6.

Montreal as Seen by Elena

Montreal as Seen by Elena

Here you can see a few pictures of Montreal taken by Elena. You can also go ahead and look for other photos of the city taken by Elena, but you can simply enjoy these ones:

Montreal Archives.

Ancient Train Station Viger.

Montreal's Atrium.

Old Customs building in Old Montreal.

View of Old Montreal.

A backyard in Old Montreal.

Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral in Montreal's Downtown.

Molson and St.Lawrence River.

Ville Mont-Royal.

Montreal's General Hospital, the first hospital ever opened in the city.

Place du Marché de Montréal.

Saint-Joseph Cathedral.

McGill street in Old Montreal.

Quartier chinois (Chinatown).

Rue Saint-Denis.