A controversial monument of Samuel de Champlain that was removed from Orillia’s Couchiching Beach Park on June 10, 2026, remains in storage, but the town of Champlain, Que., has expressed interest in acquiring it.
Statue removal and storage
The statue, which had been a focal point of debate over colonial symbols, was taken down by the City of Orillia and placed in an undisclosed storage facility. The removal followed years of discussions and protests from Indigenous groups and community members who argued the monument glorifies a figure associated with colonization and harm to Indigenous peoples.
According to a city spokesperson, the statue is being stored securely while officials determine its long-term fate. No timeline for a final decision has been announced.
Interest from Champlain, Que.
The town of Champlain, Quebec, located near Trois-Rivières, has reportedly reached out to Orillia to discuss the possibility of acquiring the statue. Town officials believe the monument could serve as a historical artifact in their community, which shares the explorer’s name. However, the proposal has sparked mixed reactions, with some residents questioning the appropriateness of relocating a controversial symbol.
“We see this as an opportunity to preserve history while allowing Orillia to move forward,” said a Champlain town council member in a statement. “But we are sensitive to the concerns and want to ensure any decision respects Indigenous perspectives.”
Broader context of monument debates
The removal of the Champlain statue is part of a wider movement across Canada and the United States to reassess public monuments linked to colonialism and oppression. Similar statues of historical figures such as John A. Macdonald and Christopher Columbus have been taken down or vandalized in recent years.
Indigenous leaders in Orillia have called for the statue to be permanently retired or placed in a museum with proper context. “This statue represents a painful history for many of us,” said Robin Frizell, a local activist who documented the removal. “It’s not something we want to see re-erected in another community without a full discussion of its meaning.”
The City of Orillia has not made a final decision on the statue’s future, but officials say they are open to dialogue with interested parties, including Champlain, Que. Any transfer would require approval from the city council and consultation with Indigenous communities.
