One Step Closer to Building a Memorial to Victims of Communism in Canada's Capital

News Release

Ministers Glover and Kenney announce the winning design by ABSTRAKT Studio Architecture of Toronto

December 11, 2014 – Ottawa – Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, are pleased to announce that the design presented by ABSTRAKT Studio Architecture of Toronto has been selected on the recommendation of a jury of experts for the future National Memorial to Victims of Communism, which will be located in Canada’s Capital.

The submission by ABSTRAKT Studio Architecture was selected from among six finalists who were invited to present their design concepts to a jury of professionals and to the public as part of a national design competition.

The future National Memorial to Victims of Communism will be prominently located on Confederation Boulevard (Wellington Street) beside the Supreme Court of Canada and Library and Archives Canada, with views toward the Peace Tower and other key federal institutions.

This national memorial will create awareness of the horrors of communism and pay tribute to the more than 100 million people worldwide who perished or suffered under communist tyranny. This new Capital landmark will recognize the role Canada has played in offering refuge to the millions that left behind torment and oppression for a new beginning in a free and democratic country.

Quick Facts

The winning team is composed of Voytek Gorczynski, Architect, OAA, Janusz Kapusta, Artist, and Andrzej Pawlik, Architect.
The concept depicts a “fold of memory” (folded triangular plane) with over a hundred million singular pixel-like “memory squares” covering the exterior face of the folds. Each represents an individual victim.
Tribute to Liberty is a Canadian charity uniting dozens of diverse cultural community organizations from across the country. It was founded in 2008 to establish a Canadian memorial to the victims of communism.
The National Capital Commission will take on responsibility for the construction of the National Memorial to Victims of Communism. Once construction is completed, ownership and maintenance of the monument will be transferred to Public Works and Government Services Canada.

Quotes

“We are one step closer to building this significant National Memorial to Victims of Communism. Congratulations to ABSTRAKT Studio Architecture on presenting a moving and thought-provoking design. This new landmark in the National Capital will become a solemn place to reflect on the impact of communism and on the meaning of oppression and freedom.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“Canada has long been a place of peace and refuge, a place to rebuild lives for those who have fled communist brutality. The National Memorial to Victims of Communism will serve as a reminder to future generations about communism’s horrendous legacy and Canada’s role as a beacon of freedom. I join with Minister Glover in congratulating the winning design team.”

—The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism

“On behalf of the Board of directors of Tribute to Liberty, I would like to express our deep gratitude and thanks to Minister Glover for her unwavering support and tireless work for the Memorial to the Victims of Communism. To my fellow jurors: many thanks for your work and truly inspiring conversations. And last, but not least, to the winning team ABSTRAKT Studio Architecture of Toronto: please accept our sincere congratulations. Your vision and message will not only make this memorial a place of national commemorations, but it will also ignite and establish a truly unique, Canadian ground, including the Wall of Remembrance, for all involved communities to visit and cherish.”

—Ludwik Klimkowski, Chairperson, Tribute to Liberty