Timeline: Consultation and controversy over Kitchener's Queen Victoria statue
Nearly two years have passed since the City of Kitchener laid out a plan to determine the future of the Queen Victoria statue in Victoria Park.
Community consultations on the controversial monument took place in November 2023, but in January 2023 the project was paused and there’s been no major update since. The delay has left some local Indigenous community leaders feeling frustrated and disrespected.
Here’s a look back at the process so far:
July 1, 2021 – The statue is found doused in red paint early in the morning on Canada Day. The city begins cleaning it the following day, but it is several days before the job is completed.
Red paint doused over the Queen Victoria statue in Kitchener's Victoria Park. (Tegan Versolatto/CTV Kitchener) (July 1, 2021)
Aug.15, 2021 – The statue is once again covered in red paint and is cleaned up.
Sept. 29, 2021 – Ahead of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the City of Kitchener installs signage next to the statue indicating that it may contribute to ongoing harm. The signs also say the city is working with local Indigenous groups towards reconciliation, including decisions on the future of such monuments.
May 5, 2022 – The statue is once again covered in red paint on Red Dress Day, a day bringing awareness to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. The City of Kitchener says it will not immediately remove the paint this time.
May 16, 2022 – Eleven days after the latest red paint was discovered on the statue, the city removes it.
Paint is seen on the Queen Victoria Statue in Victoria Park in Kitchener on May 25, 2022. (Dan Lauckner/CTV News)
May 23-25, 2022 – Sometime around Victoria Day, the statue is once again covered in red paint. It is cleaned off by the city within a couple of days.
June 8, 2022 – A City of Kitchener committee approves a recommendation from staff to conduct a review and consultation on the statue’s future.
June 20, 2022 – City Council formally ratifies the plan to begin public consultations on the statue. A decision is expected to be implemented by May or June 2023. The cost is estimated between $15,000 and $30,000. Staff are also directed to commission new temporary public artwork that recognizes Indigenous Peoples on the site while the engagement process occurs.
Oct. 26, 2022 – The City of Kitchener announces it has hired Jay Pitter Placemaking to lead community consultations on the statue’s future. One Instagram live and three in-person community discussions are planned between November 2022 and February 2023.
Nov. 1, 2022 – The Instagram Live discussion with Jay Pitter takes place. The city says some of the common questions included if the outcome of the process has already been determined, and how people can be involved in the discussions. The city says there are three options for the statue’s future: removal, contextualization or the commission of another piece that would stand alongside the statue.
Nov. 24, 2022 – One of the in-person community forums on the statue’s future is held.
Dec. 1, 2023 – The city says an in-person session on the statue’s future scheduled for Dec. 9 will be rescheduled to early 2023.
Jan. 30, 2023 – The City of Kitchener announces it has completed phase one of the consultations, Jay Pitter has completed her work on the project, and the city will be taking a slower approach moving forward.
June 29, 2023 – For the fifth time since July 2021, the statue is found covered in red paint. The city says it will be cleaned at a cost of approximately $3,000.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
'We can and we must do better': First ever Air Accessibility Summit hits Ottawa
Federal ministers, airline executives and members of the disability community are gathering in Ottawa today for the first ever Air Accessibility Summit.