Contact(s)
STATUS UPDATE
September 20 - 2021 - Site Restoration Begins
Since the initiation of the Samuel de Champlain Working Group discussions, circumstances have evolved, particularly with recent discoveries of the remains of children in unmarked graves at a number of former residential schools across Canada. In light of these circumstances, the Huron-Wendat Nation and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation have informed Parks Canada that they are no longer able continue to participate in the process.
Parks Canada has confirmed that the reinstallation of the Champlain Monument will be deferred. Out of respect for our First Nations partners, City representatives of the working group support Parks Canada’s position to defer the reinstallation of the monument at this time.
Steps are being taken by Parks Canada to restore the park so that it is safe and accessible to residents while they work on an appropriate path forward for the project. This includes removing the screening and fencing. Parks Canada staff hope to have the work completed by the end of the week, subject to weather conditions.
SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN STATUE REINSTALLATION DEFERRED
On July 23, 2020, Parks Canada Agency advised the City of Orillia that reinstallation of the Samuel de Champlain statue as part of the monument in the City of Orillia's Couchiching Beach Park would be deferred to allow for additional progress on the implementation of the Samuel de Champlain Monument Working Group recommendations.
In 2018, this working group was formed with representatives from Parks Canada, the City of Orillia, the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, the Huron-Wendat Nation, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, and two citizens-at-large from the City of Orillia. The group had the mandate to pursue public consultation and to recommend to Council and Parks Canada an appropriate path forward for the Champlain Monument that is respectful and representative of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives. The Final Report and Recommendations and Appendix of the Samuel de Champlain Monument Working Group are posted below and were accepted by Parks Canada on July 23, 2019.
After further consideration and discussions with concerned parties, it has been determined that it would be appropriate and respectful to approach the implementation of these recommendations in a holistic manner. The reinstallation plan is being deferred following more consultation and decision-making regarding the future interpretation and representation of the First Nations story, with the goal of honouring the past within the context of contemporary knowledge and wisdom.
Parks Canada remains committed to working with its partners to implement the recommendations of the Working Group, including the reinstallation of the statue of Samuel de Champlain. Phase 2 of the consultation process will be reconvened in the coming weeks on a priority basis. Some minor cleaning work will take place on the site in the coming days to remove paint from the stairs.
The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation and renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. As stewards of Canada's natural and cultural heritage, Parks Canada is a leader in preserving Canada's cultural heritage and fostering public understanding. Working collaboratively with Indigenous peoples and citizens of Orillia in honouring their contributions to our shared heritage and history is a priority for Parks Canada.
THANK YOU!
Over the course of eight (8) months (from October 2018 to June 2019), the Samuel de Champlain Monument Working Group conducted extensive and inclusive consultations that involved workshops, an online questionnaire, one-on-one meetings with subject experts, and background research. Below is the Working Group's Final Report and Recommendations, reached after careful consideration and research, and representing a consensus of its members.
Key recommendations include:
- That the Samuel de Champlain Monument be re-installed with only the central figure of Samuel de Champlain atop the plinth and that this installation occur immediately.
- That the First Nations figures along with the figures of the Fur Trader and Missionary be the subject of further consultation with First Nations. It is the hope of the Samuel de Champlain Monument Working Group that future work, with the aim of re-imagining their presence in the immediate vicinity of the original Monument, will result in a meaningful and concrete example of Reconciliation.
- That the text of the original Monument’s “in-set plaque” be updated so that it will honour the original intent within the context of contemporary knowledge and wisdom.
- That additional interpretive signage/pieces be developed and created with the participation of First Nations representatives to tell a historically accurate story of Samuel de Champlain and his relationship with First Nations.
The report was forwarded to Parks Canada and was endorsed in full. Steps to re-install the central figure of Samuel de Champlain will begin immediately while further consultation with stakeholders about the plaque text and the other figures will take place later this year. For more details, download Parks Canada's news release in English or French.
This concludes the Samuel de Champlain Monument Working Group's mandate. On behalf of its members, Parks Canada and the City of Orillia, would like to thank everyone for their participation.
Upcoming Work
Reinstallation of the central figure of Samuel de Champlain is a multistep process:
CURRENTLY UNDERWAY
Step # 1 - Re-design of the plinth and platform to accommodate the new configuration.
NEXT STEPS
Step # 2 – Fabrication of the new plinth forms and pouring of the plinth (off-site).
Step # 3 – Installation of the plinth and bronze statue (on-site).
Step # 4 – Removal of the fencing and temporary access road.
Step # 5 – Site restoration.
Samuel de Champlain Monument Working Group
Final Report and Recommendations
Appendix One: Working Group Terms of Reference
Appendix Two: Workshop Presentation
Appendix Three: Discussion Paper
Appendix Four: Frequently Asked Questions
Appendix Five: One-on-One Consultation Presentations
Appendix Six: Correspondence
Appendix Seven: Workshop/Questionnaire Feedback
Appendix Eight: Media Monitoring
Appendix 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Who owns the Champlain Monument? |
| Ownership and maintenance of the Monument, together with the area of land 10 feet all around upon which it sits, was transferred to the Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources in 1955. |
| What happened to the Samuel de Champlain Monument? |
| In 2015, Parks Canada conducted a full condition assessment on the piece as a result of growing concerns associated with the steps and plinth. The Monument was removed, as a result, for reconditioning and restoration. |
| When is the Samuel de Champlain Monument coming back? |
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Parks Canada has informed the City that the restoration project has been put on hold and they will not be proceeding with the reinstallation of the Monument until further consultation can occur regarding an appropriate path forward. |
| Where is the Samuel de Champlain Monument now? |
| The Monument is currently being stored off-site by Parks Canada. |
| Didn't Parks Canada fix the Monument? |
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The bronze sculptures have been restored and are being stored offsite. A new foundation and staircase have been poured. The site will remain fenced until Parks Canada hears back from the Working Group and can make a decision on an appropriate path forward for the Monument that is respectful of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives. |
| Why did the Monument undergo restoration if Parks Canada was not sure what to do with it? |
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Since the restoration began in 2017, Parks Canada and the City of Orillia have received a rise in inquiries and media attention regarding the Monument. Concerns over the Monument’s representation of First Nations peoples were voiced by members of the public and Indigenous communities. At the same time, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission completed its mandate, publishing 94 "calls to action" (or recommendations) to further reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. In it was a commitment from the federal government to a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership (Government of Canada website).
Parks Canada therefore decided to place the project on hold and not proceed with the reinstallation of the Monument itself until further consultation could occur. |
| Why was the Working Group formed? |
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At its meeting held on July 19, 2018, Council received a letter from Parks Canada asking that the two organizations establish a joint Working Group with key partners and stakeholders to pursue consultations and to develop a plan for the Monument and surrounding park lands that presents a balanced and respectful representation of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives. |
| Who is on the Working Group? |
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The Samuel de Champlain Monument Working Group consists of representatives from the following groups: Parks Canada; City of Orillia; Chippewas of Rama First Nation; Huron-Wendat Nation; Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario; Citizens-at-large. |
| Can anybody join the Working Group? |
| The Working Group has already been established. A call for Citizens-at-Large was done in September 2018 and two positions were filled. |
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What is the Working Group's mandate? |
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Download the Samuel de Champlain Working Group's Terms of Reference. |
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When will there be a decision on what will happen to the Monument? |
| Parks Canada has asked the Working Group to report back with its recommendations by the Summer of 2019. Parks Canada will take these recommendations into consideration before making a final decision regarding an appropriate path forward for the Samuel de Champlain Monument. |
| How will the information from the consultations be used? |
| Results will be used to guide the deliberations of the Working Group. |
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How will results be fed back to the public? |
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The Working Group Report, its recommendations and Parks Canada’s final decision will be made available through the City of Orillia’s website at www.orillia.ca/champlain. |
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What decisions will be influenced? |
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The decisions regarding the future of the Monument will be guided by the results of the final report. |
| Who will make these decisions? |
| As custodians of the Champlain Monument, Parks Canada will have the final say on a path forward for the Monument. However, this decision will be guided by the information gathered through the public consultation process and the final recommendations of the Working Group. |
| How will all views be balanced against each other? |
| The Working Group will strive to provide as much information as possible with regard to the Monument’s conception and the history surrounding its subject matter from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives. By utilizing this key information to create a Discussion Paper, the consultation process can be based upon this combined knowledge. |
| Can’t you just put a sign next to it? |
| One of the many resolutions to be studied by the Working Group. |
| Does the Monument have to be put back up in Orillia? |
| One of the many resolutions to be studied by the Working Group. |
| Why is the site not being mowed? Can’t Parks Staff just clean it up? |
| Due to the restoration, the site is under the jurisdiction of a third party and cannot be accessed by City staff. Parks Canada and City staff are working on a solution to maintain the property while a decision is being made. |
| Monumental Facts |
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Additional Resources |
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Inquiries
Parks Canada and the City of Orillia would like to thank community members and visitors for their understanding throughout this process and welcome your comments and suggestions. Click on the box at the top of the page to receive email updates. You can also direct inquiries to:
Karen Feeley
Public Relations and Communications Officer, Ontario Waterways Unit Parks Canada / Government of Canada P.O. Box 567, 2155 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough ON K9J 6Z6 Karen.Feeley@canada.ca / Tel: 705-750-4930 / Cell: 705-313-1097 / Fax: 705-750-4934
Agente des relations publiques et des communications, l'Unité des voies navigables de l'Ontario Parcs Canada, Gouvernement du Canada C.P. 567, 2155 promenade Ashburnham, Peterborough ON K9J 6Z6 Karen.Feeley@canada.ca / Tél.: 705-750-4930 / Tél. cell. : 705-313-1097 / Télécopieur: 705-750-4934
