The monument will be located on Parliament Hill across from the National War Memorial. It will be dedicated to mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, and will recognise the courage and bravery of those who defended their land in the fight for Canada.
As a metaphor for the “coming together” of the key combatants in the conflict, Alison’s design comprises seven bronze figures set on a base that evokes both the land and maritime theatres of the war. The figures represented militiamen, sailors, British soldiers, Métis, First Nations fighters and others, according to the proposal guidelines, which also envisaged inclusion of granite etchings depicting the roles of women and black regiments in the war.
In conversation with Ottawa Citizen, Alison said that the monument is designed to reflect and not overwhelm the National War Memorial and other parliament buildings with its specially chosen dark patina. She also said that the stylised boats depicted in the design are evocative of the gothic arches of the Parliament Buildings while the cluster of figures was designed to make the monument dynamic.
Alison’s design was selected based on the recommendation by an independent jury of professionals and public input. The monument would be unveiled in autumn 2014.
