Artists needed for Premier William G. Davis legacy memorial coming to Brampton

The city has opened the call to artists from across Ontario as plans are underway to honour the legacy of one of Brampton’s own, late Ontario Premier Bill Davis.

Also known as “Brampton Billy,” Davis was first elected as an MPP in 1959 at just 29 years old. Davis spent more than 25 years serving the province including 14 years as premier, representing Brampton, Peel, and North Peel at Queen’s Park.

Davis died at the age of 92 in his Brampton home last August, and the city has now opened submissions for the Premier William G. Davis memorial that will be featured on the front lawn of the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA).

“He was Brampton’s proudest supporter, and this memorial will ensure that his legacy is preserved for decades to come,” Brown said of Davis earlier this year.

Professional artists and artist-led teams are invited to submit their ideas for the memorial, which will be a piece of public art commemorating the life and legacy of Davis. The new memorial will be more than just a statue, as the city is aiming for a “non-figurative representation” of the late premier “focusing on the values and legacies he has and continues to embody.”

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“This work of public art will acknowledge the profound impact of Davis’ political career and recognize his numerous contributions to society and achievements over many years of service as the former Ontario Premier and Member of Provincial Parliament representing Peel,” the city said.

Ontario’s second-longest serving premier, Davis was a member of the Queen’s Privy Council of Canada, a Companion of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, as well as a Knight in France’s Legion of Honour.

Plans for the memorial come following a push from members of Brampton City Council to commemorate the life and legacy of the late premier. The province has earmarked $150,000 in funding to support the project, and the total budget for the memorial is $250,000.

“This is the maximum available budget to cover all costs associated with the implementation of the Successful Artist’s concept for the Memorial,” including HST, the city said.

Submissions will be accepted until 2:00 pm on Sept. 28. For more information on the memorial project or to submit a design visit the City of Brampton public art webpage. or email questions to [email protected].

In 2000, the A. Grenville and William Davis Courthouse opened on Hurontario Street, named in honour of both Bill Davis and his father.

Members of the Davis family have thanked the province and the city for their commitment to honouring the late premier, calling Davis “a proud Bramptonian, whose passion for this city and province is far-reaching and long-lasting.”