Westchester Street and St. Paul Street | Peter J. Smith and Co. | 1987
In 1987, “Gateway Obelisk” was designed and built as a welcome to downtown and a call to the possible developments that might be erected in the downtown area.
“Gateway Obelisk” explores the relationship between man, nature, and the urban environment. The southerly area of the Gateway depicts the natural areas of the Niagara Region while the ornamental fruit trees illustrate the importance of orchards to our city.
The large limestone blocks depict the escarpment with its abundance of flowers, trees, and shrubs. The large granite boulder, setting off the speaker’s area, allows man to intrude into the natural environment. The three principal elements man (the small obelisk) the urban environment (the tall obelisk) and nature (the Native Red maple) converge at the centre of the Gateway as separate entities yet united forever by the concrete walkways.
Gateway Obelisk is a part of the City of St. Catharines Civic Art Collection. Learn more about the City’s Civic Art Collection here.