Our company Redpath Sugar was delighted to sponsor A Lake Story, a unique event in which more than one hundred canoes glided in unison across Toronto’s eastern waterfront, forming a living artwork that told the story of Lake Ontario through color, sound and motion.
A Lake Story, a new commission by artist Melissa McGill and presented by The Bentway, brought together more than 400 local canoers and paddlers for a slow-moving, choreographed procession on September 27 and 28. Each canoe carried a large color field painting created with pigments sourced directly from the lake and its shoreline, designed to be “activated” by the wind. As the fleet stretched across the harbor, the lake’s natural palette was reflected across the sky and water, transforming the waterfront into a vibrant canvas.
McGill’s large-scale performance invited audiences to reconsider the interconnected ecosystems that define Toronto’s harbor and to “listen” to the wisdom of nature itself. By mapping the lake’s biosphere through color, the work amplified voices of vibrancy, community and environmental stewardship.
The Bentway, an innovative public space beneath the Gardiner Expressway, commissioned the event as part of its free programming that reimagines Toronto’s relationship with shared urban landscapes.
“This celebration of Lake Ontario holds special meaning for us,” said B2B Marketing Manager Ashley Black. “Sugar ships have been navigating the lake’s waters to deliver raw sugar to our Toronto Refinery for more than 65 years. We were proud to celebrate this event with our Toronto community.”
A Lake Story not only honored the power and beauty of Lake Ontario but also highlighted the essential role the lake continues to play in shaping both the city’s ecosystem and its industries.
Photo: Taku Kumabe