In 1983, the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton commissioned artist John Hooper to create a bronze sculpture of the legendary Terry Fox. Since 1998, the sculpture has lived at the southwest corner of Wellington and Metcalfe streets in front of the Capital Information Kiosk – until last week!
The Terry Fox Memorial Sculpture and accompanying plaque have found a new home on Sparks Street, east of the entrance to 197 Sparks Street. The new location for the sculpture is fitting; it falls along the original route that Terry Fox took during his Marathon of Hope in 1980.
At age 21, Terry Fox set out on his Marathon of Hope to raise money for cancer research. He ran for 143 days, through the Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Ontario before the bone cancer that had taken part of his right leg returned and forced him to stop near Thunder Bay. He died on June 28, 1981, a month before his 23rd birthday. His legacy continues to motivate people here in Canada and around the world. To this day, the Terry Fox Foundation continues to raise money in support of Terry’s cause.
When asked about their thoughts on the sculpture being moved, the family of Terry Fox said:
“Terry’s legacy continues to inspire and motivate people all around the world. The memorial statue by John Hooper serves as a tribute to his fierce determination to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients. We are thrilled that its new home falls along his original route. Moving forward, residents and visitors alike will be able to reflect on his legacy in a place where he once ran and inspired millions of people.”
Why was the statue relocated?
The relocation of the Terry Fox sculpture will support the revitalization of the Sparks Street pedestrian mall by enriching its visitor experience in time for the summer season and ahead of the Block 2 redevelopment project.
The decision to move the statue has involved many partners and stakeholders, including the City of Ottawa Public Art Program, the federal government, the Fox family and the estate of John Hooper. We are thrilled to see the sculpture relocated to a location that formed part of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope.
The sculpture is now placed on a lower base, bringing Terry Fox closer to the pedestrian level and making it much more accessible, as was originally intended by the artist. The next time that you’re walking along Sparks Street, be sure to stop and pay a visit to the statue in its new home.
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