After a light rainfall, the pattern of colourful leaves on the ground reminds me of the Canadian War Memorial in Green Park, London.The leaves aren't maple so this must be a stretch of my imagination and of my memory. But I did spend a lot of time exploring the piece by Pierre Granche's art, which lays low but stands out among other sculptures in the city. Modest in stature, the sculpture effectively reflects our temperate culture.
Conrad Black, the original benefactor of this project, is no longer able to fund the sculpture's mantenance. Since his kerfuffle in the courts earlier this year the monument has been left untended, its water pumps malfunctioning, visitors mindlessly scaling its concrete mass mass, unleished dogs adulterating the beautiful fountain with their tongues lapping.
Today, I am not sure which government is overseeing the monument. It is a disgrace; an insult on behalf of both the British and Canadian governments which have been tossing their responsibility back and forth like a hot potato.
But at least it still stands. Solid, intriguing, peaceful despite its neglect.
