69 Peace Monuments
in Ontario (Canada)

Right click image to enlarge.

About 1849 - Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site, Dawn, near Dresden, Kent County, Ontario (Canada). "This humble house became a crucial link in the Underground Railroad when it was settled by Josiah Henson [1789-1883], who escaped slavery in Kentucky in 1830. His autobiography in 1849 inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe to pen Uncle Tom's Cabin in 1852. Ner novel was credited by President Abraham Lincoln as a catalyst of the American Civil War."

Date? - Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Hartford, Connecticut (USA).

1921 - Peace Memorial School, 85 East 36th Street, Hamilton, Ontario (Canada). Only the portico (in the shape of a triumphal or memorial arch) was preserved when the 84-year old school was demolished in the Summer of 2005. The site is now called Peace Memorial Park and is under development.

P A R K

Future - Peace Memorial Park, 85 East 36th Street, Hamilton, Ontario (Canada). "This 2.17 hectare (5.37 acre) former Peace Memorial School site is being re-developed as a passive neighbourhood park. Peace Memorial School [qv] was constructed in 1918 [sic] as a memorial to those who gave their lives during the First World War."

August 7, 1927 - Peace Bridge, Niagara River, US/Canadian Border between Buffalo, New York (USA), & Fort Erie, Ontario (Canada). A "dramatic state-of-the-art, $1.2 million LED lighting system replaced the current avian unfriendly up-lighting" at the end of 2008. 1 of 40 monuments in "Peace Symbols" by Zonia Baber (1948), pp. 66-67. Entry #1208 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001). A Kiwanis marker will be added to this site in 1935 [qv].

C R O S S

November 11, 1927 - Canadian Cross of Sacrifice, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia (USA). "A bronze sword adorning a 24-foot gray granite cross designed by Canadian architect Sir Reginald Bloomfield [1856-1942]." From cemetery website: "Few countries enjoy the bonds of goodwill & friendship that the US & Canada share. Our common border remains the longest unguarded frontier on earth, and our nations have shared triumphs and tragedies throughout history. It was in this spirit of friendship that in 1925 Canadian PM MacKenzie King [1874-1950] first proposed a memorial to the large number of US citizens who enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces, and lost their lives during WW-I. Because Canada entered the war long before the USA, many Americans enlisted in Canada to join the fighting in Europe." /// Lower image shows Cross of Sacrifice, Bayeux War Cemetery (France). Also by Canadian architect Sir Reginald Bloomfield [1856-1942]. "Usually present in Commonwealth war cemeteries containing 40 or more graves. It is normally a freestanding four point limestone Latin cross in one of three sizes ranging in height from 18 to 32 feet."

Date? - Rush-Bagot Agreement plaque, Royal Military College of Canada (RMCC), General Crerar Crescent & Valour Road, Point Frederick, Kingston, Ontario (Canada). Placed by Ontario Heritage Trust.

April 29, 1935 - Rush-Bagot Memorial Tablet, Columbia Residences (former Columbia Hospital for Women), 2425 L Street, NW, Washington, DC (USA). Marks place where the Rush-Bagot agreement was signed April 18-19, 1817, to bring about the removal of armed vessels from the Great Lakes. Erected by Kiwanis International. One of 40 peace monuments on Zonia Baber's world map c.1948. Entry #1162 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001). 1 of 13 named by Baber after Ambassdor Bridge.

July 26, 1936 Rededicated April 9, 2007 & April 9, 2017 on 90th & 100th anniversaries of the battle. - Statue of Peace, Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Vimy (France). Uppermost sculpture on the memorial. "At the front of the monument [is] a woman, cloaked and hooded, facing eastward toward the new day. Her eyes are cast down, & her chin is resting on her hand. Below her is a tomb, draped in laurel branches & bearing a helmet. This saddened figure represents Canada - a young nation mourning her fallen sons. This figure was carved from a single, 30-tonne block of stone - the largest piece in the monument. Turning from this figure to look up at the pylons, you will see at the highest points, Justice and Peace [and Hope?]. Arranged below them are other figures representing Truth, Knowledge, Gallantry and Sympathy. Around these figures are shields of Canada, Britain and France." /// Red circle shows enlargement of new Canadian $20 bill. Click here for "'Three topless women & the Twin Towers: Canadians baffled by picture of WW-I memorial on their new $20 dollar bill. Banknote shows the Vimy Memorial - a statue in France representing the bravery and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers in the First World War. Concern from focus groups during 5-year consultation over design."

September 12, 1955 - Cairn of Peace & Golden Plough, Elgin & Burnham Streets, Cobourg, Ontario (Canada). "Stands on the Northumberland County property. A symbol of peace & unity for world peace." Plaque reads: "This Cairn of Peace And The Golden Plough Honours The First World Ploughing Match Held Here October 8-9, 1953. Similar Cairns are Reaching Across the World That Man May use the Plough To Cultivate Peace and Plenty." Photo by EWL (while raining).

1963? - Peace Cairn, Caledon, Regional Municipality of Peel, Ontario (Canada). Near Toronto. Commemorates the World Ploughing Championship held here in 1963.

July 17, 1958 - Peace Monument, Robert Moses-Robert H. Saunders Power House & Dam, St. Lawrence-Franklin Deleno Roosevelt Power Project, St. Lawrence River between Massena, New York (USA), and Cornwall, Ontario (Canada). The dam's 32 turbine-generators are divided equally by the international border, with the two sections operated independently by the NY Power Authorty (NYPA) and Ontario Power Generation (OPG). Queen Elizabeth II dedicated the monument on the international border inside the power house.

1965 - International Friendship Garden, Thunder Bay, Ontario (Canada). "A city park located at the south end of Chapples Park, at the corners of Victoria Avenue & Hyde Park Avenue. Organised in 1967 [sic] as a Centennial gift by the Soroptimist Club of Fort William-Port Arthur. Showcases unique monuments representing 18 ethnic groups in the Thunder Bay area, laid out in a 15-acre (61,000 m2) garden featuring man made ponds, floral displays, picnic tables, benches & walking trails." Images show the Italian & Polish monuments. Entry #1318 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

1967 - Lester B. Pearson Peace Park, 108087 Highway 7 (Trans Canada Highway), Tweed, Ontario (Canada). "The Centennial project of Roy Cadwell & Priscilla Cadwell who donated the land. It was part of the Madoc/Tweed Art Centre of which they were the owners & directors." /// "The site of war memorials, trails & flower gardens that a 5-member board headed by Jim Burns (613-478-2744) has been slowly restoring since 2002." Lester B. Pearson [1897-1972] was a Canadian professor, historian, civil servant, statesman, diplomat & politician, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for organizing the UN Emergency Force to resolve the Suez Canal Crisis. Entry #1336 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

1983 - Peace Garden, Spirit of the Earth Centre, 5871 Bells Road, London, Ontario (Canada). "An organic 50 acre sanctuary. The Centre offers the most comprehensive Ayurvedic Live-Food Lifestyle training in Canada." /// "A peace pole is in the center of their Peace Garden. Entry #1285 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

1986 - International Institute for Peace through Tourism / Institut International pour la Paix par le Tourisme (IIPT), Fox Hill 13, Cottage Club Road, Stowe, Vermont (USA). Founded (in Canada?) by tourism consultant Louis D'Amore. Promoted "Peace Parks Across Canada" in 1992 (125th anniversary of Canadian Confederation on July 1, 1867). Has also erected peace monuments in several other countries. Entry #1007 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

October 24, 1987 - London Peace Garden, near the Forks of the Thames, London, Ontario (Canada). Plaque: "Dedicated to global peace based on justice, freedom, truth and love. Oct. 24, 1987. United Nations Day. Initiated by Ploughshares London. Funded by citizens of Greater London. Designed by Winnie Lee..." /// First envisioned by London community activist Joe Bath. Entry #1284 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

May 1989 - Peace Memorial Statue, City Hall (lower lobby), Burlington, Ontario (Canada). "Nagasaki-born Seibo Kitamura [1884-1987], a famous Japanese sculptor, sculpted this bronze statue for Burlington from Mayor Keizo Kurihara of Itabashi (Japan) on the occasion of a twin city agreement in May 1989. By creating international relationships through twinning, the Japanese hope to promote world peace... The sculptor’s words explain the symbolism: "The right hand implies the atomic bombing, the left hand suggests desire for the world peace, and the face prays the bombing victims' souls may rest in peace."

1989 - Peace Park, Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is, Gloucester, Ontario (Canada). "A small green space between the sports arena & the police station." Entry #1278 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

April 15, 1992 - Plaque entitled "Sri Chinmoy International Peace Falls," Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada). Text: "The Falls of Niagara joins hundreds of beautiful, significant and inspiring sites throughout the world which have been dedicated to the cause of peace and international friendship. With its thunderous majesty, Niagara reminds of the boundless energizing power of a higher force. Such will one day be the power of peace on earth. When human beings everywhere aspire and strive for peace based on love and the feeling of oneness, the cascading power of this peace will transform the fate of humanity. A Sri Chinmoy Peace Site is born of the spirit of oneness. It exists for one reason: to inspire a stronger sense of internationalism and fellowship among peoples in all countries. It takes its name from a man who has dedicated his life to this goal. Sri Chinmoy is an international ambassador of peace who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of world harmony and the fulfilment of the unlimited potential of the human spirit. Niagara Falls a spectacular natural wonder. World peace an unprecedented human achievement. The Niagara Parks Commission 1992." Image & information courtesy of Ed Buckner, president of American Atheists.

"...In 1996, a plaque associated with Sri Chinmoy at the Statue of Liberty [New York City, NY (USA)] was removed by the National Park Service after several weeks of protests due to a call by American Atheists, who viewed this as a violation of the separation of church and state."

1992 - Peace Grove, Cane Parkway, Newmarket, Ontario (Canada). "A circle of 12 trees with a bench & flagpole in the center. Plaque: 'We believe that World Peace is inevitable.'" Originated by the Baha'is. Entry #1290 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

1992 - Stouffville Peace Park, Whitchurch–Stouffville, Ontario (Canada). "A grove of 12 Empress Queen maples representing each of Canada's provinces & territories... Celebrates Canada's 125th birthday & peacekeeping duries for the U.N. Originating the park was Casey Van Meer, the Baha'i Community & Louis D'Amore (IIPT)." /// "The dove of peace, the original seal of Whitchurch Township, is at the crest, recalling the pacifist Quaker & Mennonite settlers who founded many of the town's communities, including Stouffville." Entry #1313 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

1996 - Peace Garden, Saint Agnes Catholic School, Chatham, Ontario (Canada). Entry #1274 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

April 21, 1997 - Peace Garden, Johnsview Village Public School, Thornhill, Ontario (Canada). "Our school's millennium project to honour & celebrate 'peace' in our world & in our schools... We began with a Sod-Turning Ceremony on April 21, 1997. Since then, the garden has grown into a beautiful outdoor classroom..." Entry #1317 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

1998 - Peace Garden, Civic Centre, Georgina, Ontario (Canada). "David Hoar assisted in bringing together children, Baha'is, the local Horticultural Society & othrs to create a peace garden." /// "The Civic Centre was originally built in 1958 by the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. The building was constructed for and operated as a Novitiate from this date until the early 1970's." Entry #1277 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

1999 - Peace Pole & Garden, Wanup Public School, Sudbury, Ontario (Canada). Entry #1315 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

2005. - Rotary International Peace Park, RIM Park, Waterloo, Ontario (Canada). "RIM Park [sic] is the City of Waterloo's premier 500-acre park and recreation facility." "The name was selected by the park's largest donor, the employees of Research In Motion, who contributed $2 million in 2001."

October 22, 2006 - Peace Monument, Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, 271 Van Horne Street, Sudbury, Ontario (Canada). Stainless steel. Erected by Les Jésuites de Sudbury in celebration of a triple jubilee: The 450th anniversary of the death of the founder of the Jesuits, Ignatius of Loyola, as well as the 500th anniversary of the birthday of two well-known Jesuits, Francis-Xavier and Pierre Favre. Peace is represented by a dove, a Christian Cross, and symbols in the letters A(lpha) and O(mega) representing the 12 world religions. The dove & Cross are distinctly at the top.

2007? - Peace Bell, City Hall, 500 Donald Street East, Thunder Bay, Ontario (Canada). "Thunder Bay & Gifu City (Japan) have had a formal Sister City relationship since 2007. On July 9 every year, the anniversary of the day in which air raids occurred in Gifu, the Peace Bell is rung in the hope of creating a world of mutual harmony & prosperity,” Shigemitsu Hosoe, [Mayor of] Gifu City, said in a statement. 'I hope that you & those in your city can share our wish, and that the ringing of the Peace Bell opens up an opportunity to tell the future generations of the importance of peace.' /// Commented Mayor Keith Hobbs [of Thunder Bay], 'Every year, we celebrate [the sister city] relationship, as well as call for world peace, during this ceremony, held at the same time in Thunder Bay & Gifu City. As our peace bell rings throughout our downtown south core, the tolling of Gifu City’s peace bell sounds throughout their streets, as well.'"

2010 - War of 1812 Bicentennial Peace Garden, 468 Elizabeth Street, Grimsby, Ontario (Canada). "Many annual & perennial plants, including native varieties, grow in this public garden, located on the site of a crucial encounter – the Engagement at the Forty – that occurred in June 1813 between opposing forces in the War of 1812. The garden also has a period gazebo & is the starting point of the Forty Mile Creek Trail. Architect: J.A. Irish/B. Atkinson."

December 14, 2010 - Inukshuk, Lamoureux Park, Cornwall, Ontario (Canadqa). On St. Lawrence River. "The first anniversary of the passing of the Olympic torch in Cornwall was celebrated on December 14 with the unveiling of a commemorative Inukshuk & plaque beside the Clock Tower at Lamoureux Park. The Inukshuk was the welcoming symbol for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. On December 14, 2009, the Olympic Flame came to Cornwall as thousands of citizens gathered at Lamoureux Park to witness the final bearer, Rik Saaltink, who lit the cauldron in honour of his daughter Heather. The Inukshuk symbolizes friendship, hope, hospitality, energy & team spirit. 'It will continue to remind us of the wonderful event we shared,' said Cornwall Mayor Bob Kilger during the ceremony. The City of Cornwall partnered with the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) for the Inukshuk & plaque." /// May 2011 : "An Inukshuk placed in Lamoureux Park to commemorate the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay has been destroyed. All that stands of the symbolic statue are two cement blocks. 'It's a horrible thing,' says Pam Maloney, co-chair of the Torch Relay task force. 'It's disheartening that something that was symbolic of a really wonderful day for our community has been destroyed in this way.' Maloney says she is unsure as to how the Inukshuk was destroyed. 'Vandalism doesn't really prove anything,' she says. 'I'm sure we'll replace it. The memory of that event will carry on, no matter what. It sounds like it was just irresponsible people getting their kick.'"

August 24, 2011 - Aqsa Parvez Memorial Grove, American Independence Park, Jerusalem Hills (Israel). On land of the Jewish National Fund (JNF or KKL) "up the hill from the village of Ein Kerem." /// "Honors killing victims worldwide. The first initiative of its kind. Dedicated to calling attention to this enforcement of the most savage elements of Islamic law against women: wives, daughters & sisters. One can't even begin to fathom the lost dreams & ideals & promises & hopes for a full life extinguished by the tyrannical, hatemongering macho culture of Islamic supremacism. Demand the world's condemnation of Islamic misogyny, gender apartheid & the dehumanization of women. Should be the first of tens of thousands of memorials, but the point of the memorials does not end simply with the memorials themselves. The memorials show that we have not forgotten & will not forget these girls. And the memorials are just a part of a larger determination to show the Islamic world that we simply will not allow this barbaric practice of Islamic honor killing to stand in the West. We will plant millions of groves." /// Click here for video of dedication by Pamela Geller & Robert Spencer. /// Aqsa Parvez [1991-2007] was the victim of an honour killing in Mississauga, Ontario (Canada).

October 7, 2017 - First Nations Peace Monument, DeCew House Heritage Park, Thorold, Ontario (Canada). "Designed by world-renowned architect & human rights activist Douglas Cardinal. Intended to generate a deeper understanding of the rich heritage & ongoing history of First Nations peoples & illuminate the founding role they played in the development of Canada. It also provides an opportunity to acknowledge transgressions & help mend divisions that extend back to our earliest shared history, in a spirit of mutual respect & reconciliation. DeCew House Heritage Park was the final destination of Canadian heroine Laura Secord [1775-1868] in her journey to warn British & allied leadership of an impending American attack during the War of 1812. Secord encountered First Nations warriors in nearby DeCew’s Field, who assisted her in conveying her message to the British commander. October 7 is [also] the 254th anniversary of the Royal Proclamation of 1763 issued by George III, which set out the core elements between First Nations & the Crown - an important first step in recognizing existing Aboriginal rights, land title & the right to self-determination in Canada."

Future - Peace Monuments, Lamoureux Park, Cornwall, Ontario (Canada). On St. Lawrence River. "Twenty sculptures erected in Lamoureux Park could become the first stop in 'the largest monument in the world' stretching from Canada to Chile. It's a big ambition, but Ottawa sculptor Shaukat Chaney is moving full-speed ahead on the project, which would see 11 sites in 12 countries pay homage to those who have died for peace. He presented his idea to Cornwall council [in 2010], offering to donate 15 to 20 sculptures — each six feet high & weighing a couple tons — if the city would contribute $30,000 for bases & signage. Though each sculptor will donate their time, Chaney said he needs to raise $100,000 to pay for accommodations, food, equipment & supplies. He hopes to collect another $50,000 to get started on the second site, which will be on the Mexican border in Arizona or Texas, with artisans from both sides contributing their talent. After the States, monuments will be erected in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina & Chile — if all goes according to plan. If one site is completed each year, Chaney expects to wrap up by 2023. 'Peace is the theme,' he said."