On June 24, 2026, the Société historique de Montréal formally appealed to the mayor of Montreal, asking that the city arrange for the return of the Samuel de Champlain statue that had recently been removed in Ontario. The historical society’s request was delivered as a written appeal, citing the recent toppling of the monument in the neighboring province as the trigger for their action.
The statue, which honors the early explorer Samuel de Champlain, was taken down in Ontario amid circumstances that led to its being toppled. The removal prompted the Montreal Historical Society to voice concern over the fate of the monument, emphasizing its significance to the region’s heritage.
According to the society, the Champlain statue holds particular relevance to Montreal’s historical narrative, and its presence in the city aligns with the organization’s mandate to preserve and promote local cultural assets. The society’s communication to the mayor highlighted the desire to have the statue restored to a public setting within Montreal.
The mayor’s office acknowledged receipt of the society’s appeal on the same day. While no official response has been issued, the municipal administration is expected to review the request and consider any logistical or legal steps required for the statue’s relocation.
The appeal arrives amid broader discussions about the treatment of historic monuments across the province, though the Société historique de Montréal’s focus remains narrowly on the physical return of the Champlain figure to Montreal. No additional details regarding potential placement or timelines have been released.
As of the date of the request, no further actions have been announced by either the municipal government or the historical society, leaving the outcome of the appeal pending.