Ontario Provincial Police are investigating after a woman allegedly vandalized the newly resurrected Samuel de Champlain monument in Couchiching Beach Park in Orillia, Ont., just hours after it was installed on May 21, 2026.
Incident Details
Police responded to a disturbance at the park on the evening of May 21. Witnesses reported seeing a woman damaging the statue, which had been reinstalled earlier that day. The monument, a tribute to the French explorer Samuel de Champlain, has been a subject of controversy in recent years.
Background of the Statue
The original statue was removed in 2021 following protests against colonial figures. After community discussions, a restored version was placed back in the park. The quick vandalism has reignited debates about historical monuments in public spaces.
Authorities have not released the identity of the suspect or the extent of the damage. The investigation is ongoing.
