A new national monument named Thunderhead is taking shape near the Library and Archives Canada building in downtown Ottawa. This monument, designed to celebrate and reflect on the experiences of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, features a striking nine-meter white column with cloud-shaped openings.
Todd Ross, co-chair of the LGBT Purge Fund, described Thunderhead as an artistic representation with inverted clouds inside the pillar, accentuated by mirrored tiles resembling a giant disco ball. Situated near Wellington Street and the Portage Bridge, the monument acknowledges the historical discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, particularly during the Canadian government’s prolonged campaign known as the LGBT purge.
From the 1950s to the mid-1990s, thousands of RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces, and federal public service members were investigated and expelled due to their sexuality. Ross, a navy veteran discharged in 1990 for being “not advantageously employable due to homosexuality,” later participated in a class-action lawsuit against the government. The lawsuit’s proceeds supported the design and construction of Thunderhead.
The monument, conceptualized by a Winnipeg-based team led by architect Liz Wreford, symbolizes both destruction and renewal through thundercloud imagery. The column’s design features openings and a skylight that reflect sunlight into the mirrored interior, creating a colorful display reminiscent of lightning during a storm.
The surrounding park complements the monument by shedding light on Canada’s history of anti-2SLGBTQ+ discrimination. An interpretive wall details this history, including the persecution of two-spirit individuals, while a healing circle formed by stones selected by two-spirit elders from each province and territory provides a space for reflection and healing.
Michelle Douglas, executive director of the LGBT Purge Fund, views the park as a beacon of hope and a place for diverse experiences and emotions. The site aims to serve as a living monument, acknowledging past discrimination and fostering hope for the future. Additionally, the park includes spaces for performances and gatherings, offering a platform for celebration and protest.
The official opening ceremony of Thunderhead, attended by Gov.-Gen. Louise Arbour, is scheduled for Friday, coinciding with the start of Capital Pride 2026, a week-long event running until August 30.