Lion Monument

The Lion Monument

Some of you call it the QueenE, others the QEW but were you aware that the highway is now 67 years old (as of 2006)? This monument was erected in the median of the highway where it began at the Humber River. In the mid-70s, due to widening of the highway, the monument was moved to its present location, in parkland just south of the highway. A 1975 Toronto Historical Board plaque is attached to the monument. As well, there is a message cut into the stone on the north side under the lion. Here's what the plaque says:

This monument marked the eastern entrance to the Queen Elizabeth Way, opened in 1939 by Her Majesty Elizabeth, the Queen Consort, in the company of His Majesty, King George VI. It was designed by W.L. Somerville, Architect, and Frances Loring, Sculptor. Florence Wyle assisted in modelling the royal profiles and the crown. When the Queen Elizabeth Way was widened, the monument was moved to this site by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Communications in July, 1974.

Location Co-ordinates: 43.633163 -79.470409

Photo by Alan L Brown - June 2007

Here's what the message cut into the stone says:

The Queen Elizabeth Way was opened by the King and Queen in June 1939, marking the first visit of a reigning sovereign to a sister dominion of the empire. The courage and resolution of their majesties in undertaking the royal visit in the face of imminent war have inspired the people of this province to complete this work in the empire's darkest hour in full confidence of victory and a lasting peace.

Photo by Alan L Brown - September 2006

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