Toronto, ON
Canada
Cawthra Square Toronto AIDS Memorial since 23 June 1993
2700 names
AIDS Memorial - Toronto, ON
The AIDS Memorial, which opened in 1993, in Cawthra Park is both beautiful and sobering at the same time. Michael Lynch came up with the idea of an AIDS Memorial in the mid-1980's and he and others created a temporary memorial each Gay Pride Day until this permanent Memorial was created.
This Memorial was designed by Patrick Fahn. Alex Wilson was responsible for the surrounding landscaping. It is a memorial for everyone touched, in any way, by AIDs, not just the gay community. A ceremony is held each year on Pride Day and the names are read of those who have died during the previous year.
The Memorial is a semi-circle of 14 triangular concrete pillars which have stainless steel plaques attached to them. The names and dates of people who have died from AIDS related diseases are engraved on these plaques. There is a triangular concrete pad, in front of the arc of columns, with plantings on each side and behind it. As you follow the path, next to the pillars, you may feel quite alone and in a private space, depending on when you visit this Memorial, because the trees and plantings of the area provide some shelter and privacy. You will also notice that there are often flowers and notes, left by friends and loved-ones, inserted between the plaques and the concrete columns. Photo © Dunbar Loop Waymark

16 November 2011
Dunbar Loop, Toronto