Early on Wednesday April 2, Toronto Fire Services responded to a fire at Canoe Landing Park, and unfortunately, the beloved public sculpture – the red canoe – by Canadian artist Douglas Coupland, called Tom Thomson’s Canoe, was destroyed by a fire. Thankfully, Toronto Fire Services responded quickly and no one was hurt.
I’m deeply disheartened and upset by this news. Tom Thomson’s Canoe paid tribute to the famed Group of Seven artist, who disappeared while canoeing in Algonquin Park in 1917. A legacy artwork that stands atop one of my favorite parks in the city, the canoe has been an iconic landmark that is beloved by residents and visitors alike.
It is a play area for kids, a welcome into our downtown, and a source of pride for our City Place community – the emotional impact this incident has on those who cherish this public artwork cannot be ignored.
Please share your memories of the red canoe below, and how you'd like to see it restored. I worked quickly and passed a motion at Toronto and East York Community Council to explore it's replacement and am committed to working with community members like you to see it's legacy continue.
Red Canoe||V3__PGlmcmFtZSBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vZG9jcy5nb29nbGUuY29tL2Zvcm1zL2QvZS8xRkFJcFFMU2NPNWpQdVpuNmJiNGJ4cmZ4UlQ0RzRxQ0gtR2FHcjJPb0U2T0txUlF2azdjOUlYUS92aWV3Zm9ybT9lbWJlZGRlZD10cnVlIiB3aWR0aD0iNjQwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEyMjYiIGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyPSIwIiBtYXJnaW5oZWlnaHQ9IjAiIG1hcmdpbndpZHRoPSIwIj5Mb2FkaW5n4oCmPC9pZnJhbWU+
I’m staying in touch with Toronto Fire Services as they investigate the cause of the fire and staff at Economic Development and Culture. For immediate next steps, Parks and Recreation will be installing fencing around the damaged art work as soon as the investigation is complete. I appreciate the swift response of Toronto Fire Services and the ongoing efforts of all involved.
