Ireland Park (Arrival)- Toronto, ON

Tucked away at the base of Bathurst Street in Toronto, in the shadows of the imposing Canada Malting Silos, sits Ireland Park, commemorating those who fled Ireland during the Great Famine (1845-1852). The centerpiece of the park is is a series of five haunting sculptures by Roman Gillespie, called The Arrival, which documents the immigrants arrival in Canada. The sculptures mirror a similar memorial in Dublin, aptly named The Departure. 

Although the park officially opened in 2007, which included a ceremony attended by the then president of Ireland Mary McAleese, the park is still very much under construction, as part of a larger waterfront redevelopment of the area. Although a moving tribute, the area frequently seems neglected, and overrun with homeless encampments, which is in itself a commentary of the present affordability and accommodations offered for those in need.