Pecaut Square facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pecaut Square |
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| Public square | |
 Looking east to Roy Thomson Hall with the eternal flame and The Poet, The Fever Hospital in view. |
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| Features: | Reflecting pool |
| Opening date: | 1992 |
| Surface: | concrete, grass |
| Dedicated to: | David Pecaut |
| Owner: | City of Toronto |
| Location: | King Street at John Street Toronto, ON, Canada |
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Location of Pecaut Square in Toronto |
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Pecaut Square is a large public space in Toronto, Canada. It used to be called Metro Square. This square is made of concrete and granite. You can find it right in front of Metro Hall.
Pecaut Square also helps connect to the PATH network. This is a system of underground walkways. These walkways link Metro Hall to other buildings nearby. Glass buildings give you access to this underground path system.
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History of Pecaut Square
Pecaut Square was built as part of the Metro Hall project. This project was finished in 1992. Metro Hall was made to be the main building for the government of Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto. This was a larger government that managed the Toronto area from 1954 to 1998.
The agreement to build Metro Hall was signed in 1988. The square was first known as Metro Square. In April 2011, the Toronto City Council voted to rename it. They chose to honor David Pecaut, a well-known community leader who had passed away.
Art and Features in the Square
Pecaut Square has several interesting art pieces and features. These make it a special place for people to visit.
The Poet, The Fever Hospital
One main sculpture is called The Poet, The Fever Hospital. It was created by Canadian artist Bernie Miller in 1992. This artwork is made from steel, bronze, granite, and marble. It includes a fountain and a pool that reflects the sky.
The name of the sculpture has a special meaning. "The Poet" refers to Isabella Valancy Crawford. She was a poet who once lived in a house where Metro Hall now stands. "The Fever Hospital" refers to one of Toronto's first hospitals. This hospital was located nearby from 1829 to 1856.
The sculpture features four bronze boxes. They look like old television screens stacked almost 5 meters high. Water flows from these boxes into a marble basin. Then it goes into the reflecting pool.
Eternal Flame of Hope
The reflecting pool also has an "eternal flame." This flame is fueled by natural gas. It was first lit in 1996. The Eternal Flame of Hope is a symbol of strength and determination. It reminds everyone that society should be welcoming to all people. This includes those with disabilities.
Other Sculptures
Another sculpture in the square is Surface Design for Tampered Windscreens. It was made by Jaan Poldaas in 1992. This artwork uses tempered glass screens. These screens also act as a windbreak. The glass has lines etched into it. You can walk between the different glass panels.
You can also find Remembered Sustenance by Cynthia Short. This piece from 1992 has 19 small bronze animals. They are on the grass near Wellington Street West. Some animals look like they are going to a feeding dish. Others seem to be walking away from it.
Events and Views
Pecaut Square has a large lawn and trees around its edges. It offers great views of Metro Hall. You can also see Roy Thomson Hall and the Royal Alexandra Theatre from the square.
This public space is often used for different events. These include free concerts and outdoor movie screenings. For example, in 2011, the square was used for a large public gathering. People watched a screening of the state funeral of Jack Layton there. This allowed more people to be part of the event.
