JUNE 21, 2025

Patrick Hunter Brings Artistic Expression to Queen Church

At the corner of Queen and Church, something meaningful has taken shape. Beyond architecture, it’s a reflection of culture and community.

As construction progresses on Tridel’s Queen Church condominium community, we are proud to introduce a new display to the area — a vibrant hoarding installation created by acclaimed Indigenous artist Patrick Hunter. Rooted in Ojibwe tradition and infused with bold colour and symbolism, this piece is more than public art. It’s a story of collaboration, visibility, and reconciliation.

Celebrating Culture in Every Detail

Our partnership with Patrick began in 2020. During a virtual painting class with Tridel employees, Patrick’s talent and warmth left a lasting impression on our team not only as an artist, but as an educator and cultural guide. Maggie Hall, our Senior Manager of Social Impact who had the privilege of interviewing Patrick was part of that initial workshop and recalls, “We all remember you approaching it with just such humility and an effort to educate rather than to judge.” That moment planted the seed for something more meaningful in the future.

When the opportunity arose to bring an artistic voice to the hoarding at Queen Church, Patrick was a natural choice. His ability to connect through art, while honouring his culture and identity, aligns with Tridel’s evolving commitment to reconciliation.

“I just thought, how cool would it be for people from around the world to come for Pride, walk by the hoarding, and really feel that visibility, especially in this very present moment in time.”

Feathers That Speak Volumes

The featured artwork is Patrick’s “Pride Feathers” design — bold, bright, and rich with symbolism. In Indigenous culture, eagle feathers represent guidance, honour, and connection.

“When you see one, or if you’re given one by a community leader, it means you’re on the right path in life. You’ve done something of service to your community,” Patrick explains.

“Imagine if you are an Indigenous person coming to Toronto... one of the first things they see is 60 to 80 feet of eagle feathers... maybe this is a sign... maybe I am on the right path.”

This message is especially poignant given Queen Church’s proximity to Toronto’s Church-Wellesley Village, a space that celebrates diversity and welcomes all. As a Two-Spirit artist, Patrick’s identity adds another layer of meaning to this collaboration. “Visibility matters,” he shares.

Building with Purpose

This installation is part of Tridel’s broader commitment to advance reconciliation in tangible, thoughtful ways. As we launched our Reconciliation Action Plan in 2023, we heard from many people asking the same question: Where do we start?

Patrick offers a powerful answer: “What I’ve found is that what often stops companies from wanting to move forward is not wanting to get it wrong and I think that’s fair. But sometimes you just have to do it anyway and hope for the best. If your intentions and your heart are in the right place, that’s going to come across, and it will resonate with people.”

His collaboration is a reminder that reconciliation can start with a conversation, a brushstroke, a shared vision. And at Queen Church, it starts right at the street level, where every passerby becomes part of the story.

Discover more about Patrick Hunter’s work at patrickhunter.ca.

Learn more about Queen Church and our commitment to community here.