Survey results - Finalists’ Design Concepts for the 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument

From November 15 to 28, 2021, the Government of Canada, in collaboration with the project proponent, the LGBT Purge Fund, posted a survey asking LGBT Purge survivors, 2SLGBTQI+ community members, stakeholders and rightsholders and people across Canada to share their thoughts on the design concepts proposed by the following five finalist teams.

A total of 5,469 valid surveys were analysed (5,042 English, 427 French). In cases where multiple surveys were submitted from the same IP address and were deemed to be overly similar, all but one survey was removed.

Question 1 – Monument Objectives

The following survey question is multiple response. This means that each respondent could select more than one answer. As a result, the percentages may add up to more than 100%.

The Monument must educate, memorialize, celebrate and inspire. Which designs do you think best respond to these objectives? You may select more than one design proposal per objective.

Percentage of respondents who think the design effectively responds to the following Monument objectives:
Monument Objective Total respondents per question Durling MASS OnCommon Ground SOM Wreford
The Monument must educate. It must encourage the public to learn about the historic and present-day discrimination faced by LGBTQ2+ people in Canada and highlight galvanizing moments of resistance and achievement. 5,506 22.2 % 29.7 % 51.6 % 14.9 % 37.6 %
The Monument must memorialize. It must acknowledge the profound social, physical and psychological impacts of discrimination carried out against LGBTQ2+ communities, from colonialism’s intolerance of Two-Spirit and LGBTQ Indigenous peoples, to the LGBT Purge, to the present and beyond. 5,382 24.3 % 32.4 % 48.7 % 21.3 % 37.2 %
The Monument must celebrate. It must honour the achievements, large and small, of LGBTQ2+ communities, allies and activists whose steadfast commitment has led the fight for LGBTQ2+ equality in Canada. 5,369 33.8 % 35.5 % 31.9 % 12.6 % 42 %
The Monument must inspire. It must encourage acceptance, inject strength and provoke action. It will be a beacon of hope and change for the future. 5,379 29.5 % 33.2 % 37 % 14.3 % 38.4 %

Question 2 – Guiding Principles

The following survey question is multiple response. This means that each respondent could select more than one answer. As a result, the percentages may add up to more than 100%.

The principles of inclusion, Indigeneity, visibility and timelessness must guide the design and experience of the Monument. Which designs do you think best highlight these principles? You may select more than one design proposal per guiding principle.

Percentage of respondents who think the design effectively highlights the following Guiding Principles:
Guiding Principle Total respondents per question Durling MASS OnCommon Ground SOM Wreford
Inclusion. The Monument must reflect LGBTQ2+ communities’ spectrum of sexual and gender identities, expressions and lived experiences 5,022 30.6 % 35.5 % 39.3 % 16.7 % 40.4 %
Indigeneity. The Monument must tell the story of the mistreatment of Two-Spirit and LGBTQ First Nations, Inuit and Métis people from the colonial period to the present day and encourage reconciliation. 4,937 22.7 % 22 % 43.4 % 21.3 % 39.8 %
Visibility. The Monument must address the erasure of LGBTQ2+ people in Canada by emphasizing that LGBTQ2+ lives are to be lived visibly – safely, proudly, publicly and without fear. 5,032 32.7 % 34.1 % 37.4 % 18.4 % 41.3 %
Timelessness. The Monument must be both a lasting and a living monument. It must remain relevant to those fighting for LGBTQ2+ rights and freedoms and create space for evolving narratives. 5,379 30.4 % 30.7 % 39.2 % 16 % 36.8 %

Question 3 – Form and Character

The following survey question is multiple response. This means that each respondent could select more than one answer. As a result, the percentages may add up to more than 100%.

Design teams were provided guidelines about how to express the Monument objectives and guiding principles through the design. Which design proposals best respond to these guidelines? You may select more than one design proposal per design guideline.

Percentage of respondents who think the design effectively responds to the following guidelines for form and character:
Guideline Total respondents per question Durling MASS OnCommon Ground SOM Wreford
The Monument will be a highly visible landmark in the immediate landscape and beyond, drawing people to learn, reflect, celebrate, heal and be inspired. 4,937 35 % 30.5 % 36.2 % 26.1 % 41.4 %
The Monument’s design will be unique and specific to this project and communicate the objectives and principles through a powerful and distinct visual identity. 4,926 30.7 % 31.4 % 35.2 % 18 % 40.6 %
The Monument will express the stated objectives and principles in an evocative and engaging way that is understandable to viewers. 4,894 24.1 % 30.9 % 42.6 % 14.2 % 36.7 %
The Monument will be capable of both conveying the deep impacts and ongoing pain of discrimination, while also celebrating the resistance and resilience of LGBTQ2+ communities. 4,895 24.7 % 31.1 % 43.5 % 16 % 37.7 %
The Monument will not feel static, but be living, growing and expanding, much like the ongoing fight for equality. 4,900 27.9 % 31.5 % 39.6 % 11.3 % 37 %

Question 4 – Visitor Experience

The following survey question is multiple response. This means that each respondent could select more than one answer. As a result, the percentages may add up to more than 100%.

The Monument will offer meaningful experiences for a wide range of visitors, including LGBT Purge survivors and those from wider LGBTQ2+ communities, individuals wanting to learn about LGBTQ2+ history in Canada, as well as anybody looking to enjoy a well-designed public space. Which designs do you think would most effectively perform the functions below? You may select more than one design proposal per criteria.

Percentage of respondents who think the design effectively perform the following visitor experience functions:
Function Total respondents per question Durling MASS OnCommon Ground SOM Wreford
The Monument will raise awareness and educate the public through its symbolism, design and educational components. 4,804 27.6 32.4 47.9 18.7 40.2
The Monument will provide a setting that is dynamic, inviting and inclusive to all. 4,804 36.3 37.4 37.8 14.5 44.5
The Monument will offer tranquil spaces conducive to reflection, remembrance and healing. 4,798 23.3 31.9 53.3 17.4 36.3
The Monument will provide an appropriate setting for gatherings, celebrations and ceremonies. 4,801 41 40 32 12.6 48.2
The Monument will create a sacred space for story-telling and offer a platform for dialogue and reconciliation. 4,777 27.6 33.8 44.8 17.3 42
The Monument will create a great public space that contributes positively to the local context. 4,789 35.1 34.6 37.9 14.1 42.4

Question 5 – Impressions of Proposed Monument Designs

To be effective, a monument should resonate with visitors emotionally and visually.

Enter up to three adjectives that describe your impressions of each design. Only one word can be entered in each box. Please assign at least one adjective to each.

Notes: Word count results were combined around the root adjective (e.g., “inclusive” also includes inclusion, inclusivity, inclusiveness) and includes misspelled words. In cases where respondents provided the same adjective three times, the adjective was only counted once.

Results with a weighted percentage of at least 70% of the total words received for each team in each language are included in the tables below in descending order.

English Results
Durling Mass Oncommon Ground SOM Wreford
Adjective Count Adjective Count Adjective Count Adjective Count Adjective Count
open 376 colourful 289 peaceful 390 cold 285 inclusive 264
inclusive 179 beautiful 193 reflective 278 stark 104 openness 178
simple 153 openness 189 nature 267 boring 96 inviting 162
celebratory 148 inclusivity 155 tranquil 214 confusing 89 celebratory 131
inviting 144 inspiring 131 calm 187 striking 70 inspiring 128
colourful 107 reflective 123 educative 156 sombre 68 beautiful 123
fun 103 inviting 116 contemplative 133 inspiring 67 welcoming 110
bright 101 peacefulness 96 sombre 131 reflective 65 interesting 106
inspiring 99 calming 83 serene 114 interesting 54 fun 102
beautiful 89 bright 73 inclusive 109 static 51 unique 95
welcoming 86 boring 67 beauty 101 harsh 49 confusing 83
boring 76 interesting 67 inspiring 95 ugly 47 community 76
modern 76 welcoming 63 closed 93 uninviting 47 bright 70
unique 70 gathering 60 green 91 sterile 45 educative 69
interesting 62 dynamic 56 quiet 82 open 44 celebration 68
confusing 60 flat 56 inviting 79 modern 43 dynamic 66
dynamic 58 pretty 56 healing 78 powerful 41 powerful 65
spacious 53 thoughtful 54 thoughtful 73 abstract 40 creative 62
timeless 47 community 49 solemn 70 sharp 40 thoughtful 61
plain 45 simple 46 powerful 66 simple 40 hopeful 55
- - confusing 42 sadness 65 - - engaging 54
- - contemplative 42 dark 59 - - gathering 52
- - - - respectful 55 - - joyful 49
- - - - memory 52 - - reflective 49
- - - - enclosed 51 - - exciting 46
French Results
Durling Mass Oncommon Ground SOM Wreford
Adjective Count Adjective Count Adjective Count Adjective Count Adjective Count
rassembleur 31 rassembleur 21 paisible 32 froid 34 rassembleur 34
simple 27 coloré 19 serein 21 simple 15 inclusif 17
inclusif 26 inclusif 18 calme 20 grandiose 15 festif 14
ouvert 12 invitant 13 réflexion 20 reflection 9 invitant 11
festif 11 ouvert 10 nature 13 triste 7 ouvert 11
trop 10 beau 9 naturel 11 trop 7 original 10
vivant 9 réflexion 9 recueillement 10 moderne 6 dynamique 8
coloré 8 lumineux 9 inspirant 9 pas 6 lumineux 8
intemporel 8 chaleureux 7 sombre 9 visible 6 vivant 8
joyeux 8 magnifique 7 éducatif 9 visuel 6 pas 7
inspirant 7 symbolique 6 chaleureux 6 grandeur 6 coloré 6
moderne 7 lumières 6 lourd 6 impressionnant 5 beau 6
dynamique 6 accueillant 5 sobre 6 laid 5 accueillant 6
grandiose 6 bien 5 souvenir 6 non 5 attirant 6
invitant 6 couleur 5 triste 6 original 5 celebrant 6
beau 6 célébration 5 trop 6 solennel 5 joyeux 5
épuré 6 inspirant 5 intime 6 imposant 5 non 5
célébration 6 nuit 5 commémoratif 6 rassembleur 5 trop 5
original 5 ouverture 5 fermé 5 abstrait 4 amusant 4
évocateur 5 vibrant 5 guérison 5 beau 4 fierté 4
communauté 5 diversité 5 sacré 5 sombre 4 inspirant 4
positif 5 espace 5 inclusion 5 - - unique 4
- - commémoratif 5 espace 5 - - artistique 4
- - - - solonel 5 - - communauté 4
- - - - - - - - naturel 4

Question 6 – Demographic Questions

Do you live in the National Capital Region? Total number of respondents: 5,469
Answer Responses Percent %
Yes 1,918 43.2 %
No 2,517 56.8 %
If not, in which province or territory do you live? Total number of respondents: 2,473
Province or territory Responses Percent %
British Columbia 282 11.4 %
Alberta 228 9.2 %
Saskatchewan 61 2.5 %
Manitoba 522 21.1 %
Ontario 806 32.6 %
Quebec 275 11.1 %
New Brunswick 63 2.5 %
Nova Scotia 193 7.8 %
Prince Edward Island 11 0.4 %
Newfoundland and Labrador 17 0.7 %
Yukon 9 0.4 %
Northwest Territories 3 0.1 %
Nunavut 3 0.1 %
Are you a LGBT Purge Survivor or have you been otherwise impacted by the LGBT Purge? Total number of respondents: 4,428
Answer Responses Percent %
Yes 522 11.8 %
No 3,906 88.2 %
Do you identify as part of the LGBTQ2+ community? Total number of respondents: 2,959
Answer Responses Percent %
Yes 2,561 57.9 %
No 1,862 42.1 %
Which of the following best describes you? (Select all that apply) Total number of respondents: 10,893
Answer Responses Percent %
Lesbian 523 20.7 %
Gay 1,092 43.2 %
Bisexual 504 19.9 %
Transgender 201 8 %
Queer 645 25.5 %
Two-Spirit 73 2.9 %
Intersex 15 0.6 %
Non-binary 268 10.6 %
Gender Diverse/Gender Fluid/Gender Queer 248 9.8 %
Pansexual 238 9.4 %
Other, please specify: 122 4.8 %
Are you an Indigenous person? Total number of respondents: 4,379
Answer Responses Percent %
First Nations 86 2 %
Inuk (Inuit) 3 0.1 %
Métis 130 3 %
Not Indigenous 4,160 95 %
Which of the following best describes you? (Select all that apply) Total number of respondents: 4,103
Answer Responses Percent %
South Asian (e.g., East Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, etc.) 103 2.5 %
East Asian (e.g., Chinese, Korean, Japanese, etc.) 116 2.8 %
Southeast Asian (e.g., Filipino, Vietnamese, Cambodian, etc.) 54 1.3 %
Middle Eastern, West and Central Asian (e.g., Iranian, Lebanese, Afghan, etc.) 112 2.7 %
Asian, other 17 0.4 %
North African (e.g., Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian, etc.) 23 0.6 %
Black Caribbean (e.g., Jamaican, Haitian, Trinidadian/Tobagonian, etc.) 44 1.1 %
Black African (e.g., Nigerian, Ethiopian, Congolese, etc.) 19 0.5 %
Black, other 12 0.3 %
Latin American (e.g., Colombian, Salvadorian, Peruvian, etc.) 71 1.7 %
Racialized person, other (specify): 61 1.5 %
A person with one racialized parent and the other parent who is not. 127 3.1 %
White (e.g., European descent) 3561 86.8 %
Are you a current or former RCMP member? Total number of respondents: 4,388
Answer Responses Percent %
Yes, currently 8 0.2 %
Yes, formerly 19 0.4 %
No 4,361 99.4 %
Are you a current or former Canadian Armed Forces member? Total number of respondents: 4,395
Answer Responses Percent %
Yes, currently 99 2.3 %
Yes, formerly 153 3.5 %
No 4,143 94.3 %
Are you a current or former Federal Public Service employee? Total number of respondents: 4,401
Answer Responses Percent %
Yes, currently 1,084 24.6 %
Yes, formerly 292 6.6 %
No 3,025 68.7 %

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