Story / 38 Walmer Road / Toronto / 2023

Walmer Road Legacy Space

Published:

May 24, 2023

News & Stories

“Reconciliation is about establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country. In order for that to happen, there has to be awareness of the past, an acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour.” – Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada  

The Walmer Road Legacy Space aims to build cultural understanding and help create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. It was created by TAS and the Walmer Road Baptist Church in collaboration with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.

Legacy Spaces are intended to serve as symbols and reminders of the important work each of us needs to undertake to fulfill the promises of this country and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.

While Legacy Spaces are typically located in private corporate settings, Walmer is the first public-facing outdoor Legacy Space. It exists in front of the church temporarily and then will be incorporated permanently into the future development on this site led by TAS and the Walmer Road Baptist Church.

Indigenous Art – The 3 Sisters

The artwork on the doors of the church was produced by Métis artist Dani Kastelein. It represents the four elements, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Air is represented by the clouds that bring rain to the 3 sisters. Water, by the sturgeon swimming through while being sung to by frogs. Fire, by the gathering for a feast and a moment of storytelling. Aki, the Earth, our mother, is depicted in all three sections.

Indigenous Garden

The Urban Crate Farm, run by the Bowery Project and located in front of the church from spring until fall, includes many Indigenous plants and medicinal herbs, such as tobacco and sweetgrass. The garden is meant to provide opportunities for teaching about Indigenous culture.

Seating & 13 Moons

The seating was designed to encourage contemplational and conversations about truth & reconciliation. The 13 moons located on the seating refer to the lunar months of the traditional Indigenous calendar. The moon offers a framework for marking time and seasonal changes and also links to specific natural phenomena, such as plant blooming, animal migration, and weather patterns. This seasonal awareness is pivotal for Indigenous gardening practices, guiding activities like planting and harvesting.

Honouring Indigenous History in the Annex

Since the early stages of the 38 Walmer Road project, TAS has been committed to learning about the Indigenous history of the site and exploring our role in truth and reconciliation. As a starting point, in 2021 we organized a community walking tour with Indigenous leader, Trina Bell, and participated in cultural competency training with the Walmer Road Baptist Church. 

Creating the Legacy Space at Walmer provides an opportunity to continue honouring the Indigenous history of the site and to integrate Indigenous stories and partnership into the development. 

TAS & Truth & Reconciliation

TAS’s office and current portfolio are situated upon the Traditional Territories of many nations including the Anishinabeg, the Chippewa, the Erie, the Haudenosaunee, the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Neutral and the Wendat Peoples – and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

As a real estate company working in Canada, we recognize that advancing Truth & Reconciliation is a moral imperative for our industry. Indigenous Peoples have cared for these lands since time immemorial. As land use planners and developers, we have an obligation to be responsible stewards of the territories on which we operate.

In 2024, TAS released its Reconciliation Action Plan, which reflects what we have learned over the last couple of years from Indigenous Peoples and organizations with whom TAS holds relationships. It was developed with the support of Creative Fire, a 100% Indigenous-owned consulting agency, and with input from staff, Indigenous leaders, and rights holders.