Keep Champlain Out
By John Swartz
A small group of 80 to 100 people were on hand Canada Day for a protest to keep the Champlain Monument from being re-installed. Decolonize Orillia was organized by Miranda Minassian.
The event was interrupted by a resident objecting to the demonstration on Canada Day. Heated words were exchanged initially, but soon a civilized discussion took place with some of the event participants.
Over a week ago someone dumped red paint on the plinth, which was covered up. Parks Canada recently announced work to re-install the Champlain figure only would start mid-July. The project will be completed by mid-August. There is no word regarding the fate of the side pieces.
Here is video from the event.
(Photos and Video by Swartz – SUNonline/Orillia)
