Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Within The Healing Circle

 More today from Thunderhead, the new monument at Richmond Landing.


Governments for a long time made it policy to discriminate against the LGBT community by removing them from positions in public service. This was called the LGBT Purge.


The monument is very effectively done, particularly these panels. 


The heart of the monument is this. The openings into this column resemble storm clouds, and the column features many small mirrors inlaid inside. 


Nearby, a series of rocks from across the country have been placed into a healing circle- a testament to the Indigenous influence in this monument.


One more look. From here I was heading over to another section of Richmond Landing.

Monday, September 28, 2026

The New Monument

Richmond Landing sits between the headquarters of Library and Archives Canada and the Portage Bridge, along the Ottawa River west of the Parliamentary precinct. A new monument was recently unveiled on a portion of the grounds.


It is called Thunderhead, and it is a national monument for the LGBT community.


The concept is a blend between history, architecture, landscape design, and consultation with the queer community.


Along one wall are panels telling the story of the gay community in Canada, including the darker chapters for them in the country's history in dealing with discrimination.

Sunday, September 27, 2026

The Supreme Court

 One day earlier this month I stopped by the Supreme Court of Canada to photograph around the grounds.


A statue of Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent is placed here, looking east towards Parliament Hill. It is a deliberate placement- had he not gone into politics, this brilliant lawyer might have ended up a member of the Court.


The building is in the Art Deco style, lying to the west of the Parliamentary precinct.


Two statues out front are allegorical in nature, by Walter Allward.


I noticed a groundhog.


Out back, views of the Ottawa River.


Saturday, September 26, 2026

Museum Finale

 Today we wrap up this visit to the Museum of Science and Technology.


A steam engine, and one we saw early on in this series from the other side.


The locomotives do impress the visitor.


There is a space near the Museum entrance with this display. Pressing panels down below lights up what's above, a simulation of the Northern Lights, with colours shimmering. I hope you have enjoyed this visit.