Terry Fox on the move again

The Terry Fox Memorial Sculpture has moved to its third home in downtown Ottawa, Ontario. The sculpture was designed by Canadian artist John Hooper and placed in its first home near the current Senate of Canada Building in October 1983, 2 years after Fox passed away.

Since 1998, the sculpture had stood across the street from Canada's Parliament buildings. On June 10, 2024, it moved to its new home on the Sparks Street Pedestrian Mall. This new location has rich historical significance, as it's the route that Fox ran during the Ottawa portion of his Marathon of Hope on Canada Day in 1980.

A little bit about a big Canadian icon

The name Terry Fox is one that resonates with so many Canadians. His courageous journey to raise funds and awareness for cancer research through the Marathon of Hope in 1980 is nothing short of inspiring. Despite losing his right leg to cancer, Fox embarked on a mission to run across Canada. He dipped his artificial leg in the Atlantic Ocean in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, on April 12, 1980, to symbolize the beginning of his incredible journey.

Over the course of 143 days, Fox ran an astounding 5,373 kilometres before the cancer returned in his lungs, forcing him to stop in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on September 1, 1980. His determination and selflessness in the face of adversity earned him international recognition and made him a Canadian icon. In 2008, Fox was designated a National Historic Person.

To this day, people around the world continue to support his efforts by raising donations and participating in the Terry Fox Run.

Moving a bronze sculpture is a complex process

Moving a monument, no matter how far it goes, takes a great deal of preparation and precision. As custodian of the sculpture, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) was responsible for the move, which took place in anticipation of the Block 2 redevelopment in Canada's Parliamentary Precinct. It was PSPC's privilege to consult closely with the families of Terry Fox and artist John Hooper, as well as the City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission. The Senate of Canada, the House of Commons and the Library of Parliament were also advised of the relocation. Once the new site was chosen, PSPC's Heritage Stone Masonry team set into action.

Lorenzo Cordeiro Sousa is a heritage stone mason foreman at PSPC. He was part of a team of 4, plus a transport driver, responsible for this project. His team included: Benoit Lachapelle, a heritage stone mason; Jackson Wilson, a lead-hand heritage stone mason; Yves Cere, a heritage stone mason; and Jean-Charles Cyr, a heavy equipment operator and driver. Sousa says: "The members of my team are the wheels that make the machine move."

The team meticulously coordinated the work to move the bronze statue. Even though the statue was only moving around the block, everyone wanted to be sure it would be safe. "There are a lot of moving parts, but it really does go fast because we've worked together so many times. I had scheduled about a couple hours for the move, and we were finished within an hour," Sousa adds.

The team also relocated the plaques that were with the statue. Sousa mentions, "The one that's standing on the side (of the original base) was relocated with the monument, and it's attached to the wall of 197 Sparks Street."

Fox's legacy is in the hearts of our employees

Sousa says, "This move, it's like being a part of Canadian heritage to move these pieces. They could be there for who knows how many years. When I started this relocation project for Terry Fox, it was exactly at the right time." His daughter was studying Fox at school. He told her about the work he was doing and brought her to see the sculpture. He also looks forward to sharing this story with his younger daughter when she and her class are studying Fox.

For more stories about PSPC employees and the work they do, visit Our stories.