QEW Monument

Can a monument capture the spirit of a nation? Here at the QEW Monument, we find that very question answered. The QEW Monument, also known as the Lion Monument or the Loring Lion, isn’t just a statue. It’s a symbol of a pivotal moment in Canadian history, a tribute to a royal visit, and a testament to the courage of a nation facing war. The QEW, or Queen Elizabeth Way, was Ontario’s first superhighway, a marvel of engineering in its time. It was opened by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in June 1939, marking the first visit of a reigning monarch to Canada. The QEW Monument was erected at the highway’s eastern terminus to commemorate this historic event. Designed by William Lyon Somerville, the monument’s Art Deco style reflects the era’s optimism and forward-thinking spirit. The eight-foot stone lion, sculpted by Frances Loring, embodies Britain’s defiance in the face of imminent war. Loring, inspired by the unfolding global conflict, carved the lion herself, ensuring its powerful message resonated. She even fired her original carver to take over the work and craft the snarling, defiant expression she envisioned. The monument’s base bears a profile of the King and Queen, along with an inscription detailing their courage in visiting Canada during such a precarious time. The inscription also speaks of the province’s resolve to complete the QEW, even as the “Empire’s darkest hour” approached. The monument’s creation during wartime added another layer of significance. The QEW Monument originally stood near the Humber River but was relocated in 1975 to its current home in Sir Casimir Gzowski Park. The move allowed for the widening of the QEW, but it didn’t diminish the monument’s importance. In 1989, Queen Elizabeth, now the Queen Mother, rededicated the monument, ensuring its continued legacy. Standing here today, looking at the QEW Monument, we see not just stone and bronze, but the echoes of a nation’s past. It serves as a powerful reminder of a time when the world stood on the brink of war, and a young nation embraced its future.