Queen's Park Statues to be Temporarily Covered After Vandalism During Student Protest
Statues at Queen's Park in downtown Toronto will be temporarily covered up as a preventative measure following an incident of vandalism during a student protest earlier this month. The decision was announced by Legislative Speaker Donna Skelly, who has oversight of the legislature grounds.
Vandalism Incident Sparks Protective Measures
On March 4, the statue of George Brown was defaced with spray-painted graffiti during a large demonstration protesting proposed changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). Brown, one of the Fathers of Confederation, is best known as the founder and editor of the Toronto Globe, which later became The Globe and Mail.
"Protecting the safety and security of people and public property at Queen's Park is a top priority," Skelly stated in a Wednesday announcement to the Toronto Sun. She emphasized that vandalism and assault "is simply unacceptable" and noted that the same group plans to protest again when the House resumes.
Preventative Wrapping of Eight Statues
As a preventative measure, the Sergeant-at-Arms has recommended the temporary wrapping of all eight statues on the legislative lawn to prevent further damage. "Repairing vandalism costs taxpayers thousands of dollars — money that should not have to be spent," Skelly explained.
The Speaker clarified that everyone maintains the right to peacefully protest on the legislature grounds, but added firmly, "there will be zero tolerance for violence or lawbreaking."
Police Charges and Political Response
Toronto Police reported that one person was charged with mischief for property damage under $5,000, while another individual faces assault charges for allegedly spitting on a police officer during the protest.
Premier Doug Ford, speaking at an unrelated news conference in Wellington North Township on Wednesday morning, expressed support for peaceful protest but condemnation for vandalism. "Anyone who wants to protest, you come to Queens Park, do cartwheels, jump up and down, whatever you want to do," Ford stated. "Do not vandalize. Do not vandalize those statues. They're historic. And if you do, you're gonna get charged."
Ford described the necessity of wrapping the statues as "ridiculous," adding, "I spoke to the speaker this morning and she said that they have to wrap them up. It's ridiculous. Protest all you want, but don't vandalize people's property, the taxpayer's property."
Historical Context and Previous Incidents
The grounds of Queen's Park feature numerous historical monuments and statues, including sculptures of Queen Elizabeth II, William Lyon Mackenzie, Sir Oliver Mowat, and Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe. This is not the first time statues at the legislature have been targeted.
In 2020, the statue of Canada's first Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald was boarded up after being vandalized with paint during protests concerning Macdonald's role in creating the residential school system. The statue remained covered for five years before being unveiled again last June following consultations with Indigenous representatives.
"As Speaker, I recognize the sensitivities surrounding the history of Canada's first Prime Minister and I welcome all Ontarians to express their views — peacefully," Skelly said in a statement last June regarding the Macdonald statue. "Violence and acts of vandalism will not be tolerated, and the Legislative Protective Service will actively monitor the statue and grounds."
The temporary covering of statues represents a balancing act between preserving historical monuments and maintaining public order during periods of political protest. As tensions surrounding education funding continue, legislative officials remain vigilant against further property damage while upholding the right to peaceful demonstration.
