Public Artwork
A Monument To a Lost Opportunity
Artwork creator(s):
Wonnacott, Justin
Text author(s):
Wonnacott, Justin
Installation year:
1992 Description:
Slab with an inscription in the sidewalk.
Text of the artwork:
this land was in my trust.
I had one year to build a tiny
home to prove my sincerity
and care for this place. I built
nothing and lost it forever.
J. Doe 1826
Note(s):
These words refer to a fictional opportunity lost by citing terms from the land grants to soldiers/settlers at the time of Ottawa's early British development. It was necessary to erect a structure of about the same size as this monument within a year of taking possession if you wished to retain/obtain a lasting title to the land. At the time this monument was installed, this end of Rideau Street did not look too good - there were lots that had been vacant for a very long time. It is much improved today.
Source: Justin Wonnacott (2008). Wonnacott - Rideau Street.
Artist's biography:
Wonnacott, Justin 
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