On September 13, 2006, Dawson College experienced a senseless attack resulting in the death of student Anastasia De Sousa and injury to several others. The garden was proposed as a living testament to those who suffered pain and immeasurable loss.

Dawson College believes that everyone has the right to learn and work in a safe environment where peace is nurtured within each individual and reaches beyond human boundaries. The goal of the Peace Garden at Dawson College is to create a green space that is both commemorative and symbolic of life and renewal, peace, remembrance, beauty, serenity and where teaching and learning is inspired. It is a place where biodiversity is celebrated as a living lab. Over 1000 volunteers to date have helped in its development as it continues to attract species that have long left the downtown core and to provide a space for the Dawson community and its neighbours to gather, reflect and learn. Montreal’s Espace pour la Vie has designated the peace garden an urban biodiversity site and a monarch butterfly oasis and UPEMOR University is creating a sister peace garden in Mexico. The World Wildlife Fund Biopolis project also features Dawson’s garden projects.

Ecological Peace Garden Opening Ceremony

Location: Wood & Sherbrooke