Thunderclouds are forming near the Library and Archives Canada building in downtown Ottawa, but rather than signaling a storm, these clouds symbolize a new national monument for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Named Thunderhead, the monument stands as a tall white column with cloud-shaped openings, creating a unique and celebratory atmosphere. Todd Ross, co-chair of the LGBT Purge Fund, described the monument as having inverted clouds within the pillar, enhanced with mirrored tiles to give it a disco ball effect.
Situated close to Wellington Street and the Portage Bridge, Thunderhead serves as a tribute to the discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals across Canada, particularly during the Canadian government’s prolonged campaign known as the LGBT purge.
The monument’s design, led by a team based in Winnipeg and spearheaded by Liz Wreford of Architects Public City, uses thunderclouds as a symbolic representation of destruction and renewal. The column’s architecture allows sunlight to illuminate its mirrored interior, creating a colorful kaleidoscope effect, while flickering lights mimic lightning flashes during a storm.
The surrounding park complements the monument by shedding light on the history of anti-2SLGBTQ+ discrimination in Canada. An interpretive wall narrates the struggles faced by the community, including the persecution of two-spirit individuals by the government. Additionally, a healing circle formed by thirteen stones, selected by two-spirit elders from each province and territory, stands as a symbol of solidarity and healing.
Michelle Douglas, executive director of the LGBT Purge Fund, emphasized the park’s significance as a space for reflection and celebration, offering hope and remembrance for those affected by discrimination. The site also includes facilities for performances and gatherings, aiming to serve as both a memorial to the past and a beacon for the future.
The official opening ceremony of Thunderhead will be attended by Gov.-Gen. Louise Arbour, followed by the commencement of Capital Pride 2026 the next day, running until August 30.