Project Specifications
Project: Dr. Lillian McGregor Park
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Client: Orin Contractors
Landscape Architect: DTAH
Contractor: Orin Landscaping
Photography: Tom Ridout
Completed: 2021 (officially opened in 2023)
Some projects stay with you long after they’re finished. Dr. Lillian McGregor Park is one of them for us.
Created to honour respected Whitefish River First Nation Elder, nurse and educator Dr. Lillian McGregor, the park brings Indigenous culture, history and community into one beautiful outdoor space in downtown Toronto.
We were proud to work alongside landscape architects DTAH and Orin Contractors to supply the granite boulders and custom stone elements that help shape this unique public space, which opened to the public in 2023.
Honouring an Extraordinary Life
Named after Dr. Lillian McGregor (1924–2012) of Whitefish River First Nation, the park celebrates the life of a woman whose decades of work championed Indigenous health, education and culture.
A respected nurse, community leader and Elder, Dr. McGregor became the first Indigenous woman to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Toronto and was widely recognised for her lifelong service to Indigenous communities.
Working closely with DTAH throughout the project, we were honoured to help bring their vision to life through the careful sourcing and supply of the granite used throughout the park.
DTAH developed the landscape in close collaboration with Dr. McGregor’s family and Indigenous Elders, making sure the results reflected her values and teachings.
Granite That Carries Meaning
At the heart of the park sits an Indigenous Medicine Wheel, inlaid into the paving where the main pathways converge.
To honour the design intent, HGH supplied four carefully selected granites, each chosen to represent one of the colours of the Medicine Wheel:
– Indian Red
– Jet Black
– Siva Gold
– Viscount White
While the teachings of the Medicine Wheel vary between Indigenous Nations and communities, its four colours carry deep cultural significance and are often used to represent different teachings, stages of life, and connections to the natural world. Selecting granite with the appropriate natural hues helped ensure the feature reflected the design vision and the wheel’s cultural significance.
Rather than relying on painted or manufactured finishes, the colours are inherent to the stone itself. Because the colours are inherent to the stone itself, the Medicine Wheel will continue to look just as it was intended, standing up to everyday use and the elements for years to come.
Sourcing Stone That Fits the Landscape
Alongside the custom paving, HGH supplied all of the natural granite boulders used throughout the park.
Each boulder was individually selected to meet DTAH’s design requirements for size, shape, colour and character, while also making sure the stone complemented the landscape.
The result is a park that feels grounded in nature despite being constructed above an underground parking garage in the middle of downtown Toronto.
These carefully placed granite outcrops echo the rugged landscapes of Northern Ontario – and create places to sit, gather and explore.
More Than a Public Park
Dr. Lillian McGregor Park is a brilliant example of how thoughtful landscape architecture can transform the busiest parts of a city.
Alongside playgrounds, lawns and community gathering spaces, visitors discover Indigenous-inspired artwork throughout the park, including crane sculptures representing the stages of life, laser-cut reed screens, and natural stone features woven into the landscape.
Rather than simply framing these spaces, granite becomes part of the experience, helping guide visitors’ movement through the park while adding texture, meaning and a sense of permanence.
A Project We’re Proud to Have Been Part Of
Projects like Dr. Lillian McGregor Park remind us that natural stone can do much more than shape a landscape.
When carefully selected and thoughtfully integrated, granite can help tell important stories, celebrate culture and create places where people gather for generations.
Celebrating Indigenous Culture Through Public Art
Working on projects that celebrate Indigenous history, culture and community is one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do at HGH.
Over the years we’ve been honoured to collaborate with Indigenous artists, landscape architects and communities on a number of significant public installations across Ontario.
Each project is unique, but all share a commitment to creating places that educate, commemorate and bring people together. Take a look at some of our previous projects:
Landscape of Nations Memorial, Queenston Heights Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Working alongside landscape architect Tom Ridout, HGH sourced and supplied the multi-coloured granite used throughout this nationally significant memorial honouring the Six Nations warriors and Indigenous allies of the War of 1812.
Eagles Among Us, Battlefield Park, Hamilton
We were proud to supply the granite for Eagles Among Us, a landmark created by Indigenous artist David M. General. The monument honours Indigenous history and the role of First Nations people in shaping Canada.
Maanjidowin (The Gathering), Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Working once again with Indigenous artist David M. General, HGH supplied and engraved the polished granite elements for this striking public artwork celebrating the history and culture of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
The Petun Woman, Simcoe County Museum
HGH supplied Caledonia granite for The Petun Woman, a sculpture by artist Marlene Hilton Moore, which symbolises Indigenous heritage, community and nourishment
Thinking About Your Next Public Realm Project?
Whether you’re designing a memorial, public park, civic space, or architectural feature, we’re here to help.
From sourcing distinctive natural stone to precision fabrication and installation support, we work closely with landscape architects, artists, contractors, and municipalities to help bring ambitious ideas to life.
We’d love to hear about your project.