Torontonians are reacting after a beloved red canoe public art installation that overlooks the Gardiner Expressway was destroyed in a fire Wednesday night.
According to Toronto Fire Services, at approximately 2:40 a.m. on Wednesday, fire crews responded to an alert about a fire near 45 Fort York Blvd., at Canoe Landing Park.
The fire, unfortunately, completely destroyed the red canoe artwork, which was seen from the highway as drivers entered the heart of downtown Toronto.
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Although the fire has since been put out, Toronto Police Services told Now Toronto that police officers remain at the scene, and that the fire is now under the investigation of the Office of the Fire Marshal. It is unknown what caused the fire.
Cherished by many Torontonians, the red canoe, built in 2008 with materials excavated from the construction of neighbouring Concord CityPlace condo buildings, was part of a comprehensive program of artwork for the Canoe Landing Park.
The art piece was designed by Canadian writer and visual artist Douglas Coupland, who was recognized as “one of the most original commentators on mass culture of the late 20th and the 21st century,” according to the Toronto Downtown West BIA.
Torontonians took to social media to share their sadness with the occurrence.
“Wow someone burned down canoe landing park last night, one of my fave pieces of public art, why do we even bother having nice things,” a user wrote on X
“I’m begging for it to be an accident, but I don’t think a giant red plastic canoe is easy to not only light but completely burn down,” a Threads user commented.
