Notre Place: Franco-Ontarian Monument

Fifteen slender rectangular pillars at Queen's Park mark the contribution of Franco-Ontarians to the growth of Ontario. The arrangement is deliberately irregular, evoking the forest industry that first brought Francophone communities to the province. One face of each pillar is chrome-finished, reflecting the surrounding environment, seasons, and movement of visitors. The opposite face is coloured, representing the growing ethnic and cultural diversity of French-speaking communities in Ontario.

Granite pavers from Ontario are engraved with patterns tracing the past and future presence of the columns. A curved concrete bench winds through the installation, recalling the journeys that brought Francophones to Ontario, and orienting visitors toward the legislative building.

Studio: Brook McIlroy

Team: Amrit Phull, Andrea Mantin, Jessica Hawes, Kyle Gatchialan