The Samuel de Champlain monument has been quietly removed from its storage location in Barrie, Ontario, as reported by CTV News on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Background of the Monument
The statue of Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer and founder of Quebec City, had been placed in storage following controversies over his historical legacy. The exact reasons for the removal remain unclear, but the location now stands empty.
Local authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the monument's new whereabouts or future plans. The removal appears to have been conducted discreetly, with no public announcement or ceremony.
Community Reactions
Some residents expressed surprise at the quiet removal, while others noted that the monument had been a subject of debate in recent years. The statue had previously been vandalized and was removed from its original public location to storage for safekeeping.
City officials are expected to provide more details in the coming days. The monument's fate may be decided through public consultation or city council discussions.
CTV News captured images of the empty storage site, showing only the base where the statue once stood. The video footage highlights the absence of the monument, which had been a familiar sight in the area.
This development comes amid broader discussions across Canada about the commemoration of historical figures associated with colonialism and indigenous relations. Several statues have been removed or relocated in recent years as part of a reevaluation of public memory.
