The St. Lawrence and the Griffon

Location: Front and Jarvis Streets

Date photo taken: 4 September 2018

At the north east corner of Front of Jarvis sits this unusual installation. Part bench, part historical curiosity, it includes two round medallions each featuring a sailing vessel with ties to the Great Lakes. This side features the HMS St. Lawrence. One of the largest and most heavily armed warships built in Canada during the War of 1812, it changed the balance of power on the Great Lakes during that conflict. The reverse side features the Griffin (more often referred to as the Griffon), a 17th century ship of exploration that disappeared on the Great Lakes shortly after being launched from Niagara, never to be found. 

These medallions were designed by Canadian sculptor Emanuel Hahn for installation in the Memorial Arch at Niagara Falls. When that structure was demolished in 1967, they were retained and eventually installed here. The placement was likely a nod to the historic proximity of the waterfront before landfill occurred, but today, without specific signage, that connection is lost. Encroached upon as it by the expanded patio of a nearby restaurant, and with other installations more effectively calling to mind the old waterline, I feel that the placement of these medallions deserves to be revisited. With new waterfront communities currently being planned and developed in Toronto, surely these pieces can find a better home. 

Ned Hanlan

 

Location: Hanlan's Point, Toronto Islands

Date photo taken: 22 May 2014

This tribute to great Canadian oarsman Ned Hanlan greets you as you step off the ferry at Hanlan's Point, part of the Toronto Islands. The Hanlan family were some of the first permanent residents on West Point, as this area was once known. Ned grew up here and started rowing at an early age. He went on to dominate the sport in both North America and Europe, and was the first Canadian athlete to become a world champion in an individual event. After retiring from rowing, he bought land on the island and opened a hotel. He also entered politics and was a strong advocate for the waterfront and recreation. During his time as alderman he advocated for bike lanes in the city and for more swimming pools.  He lost his place at the Toronto Harbour Trust when he strongly criticized them for allowing sewage to be dumped in the lake.

This statue was erected in 1926, almost twenty years after his death. It was originally located by the water on the grounds of Exhibition Place, but was relocated to Hanlan's Point in 2003.