Iconic red canoe in downtown Toronto park destroyed by overnight fire

Officials say the iconic red canoe at Canoe Landing Park in downtown Toronto has been destroyed by an overnight fire.

Toronto Fire Services said they were called to the park at Fort York Boulevard in the CityPlace neighbourhood on Wednesday at around 2:40 a.m. for a fire around the popular art installation.

No injuries were reported and the fire was put out. Images from the scene show a burnt out shell from the canoe.

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Toronto police said the circumstances are still being investigated and officers are on scene awaiting an Office of the Fire Marshal investigator. Police confirmed Wednesday afternoon it’s believed to be suspected arson.

The red canoe has been a popular spot for residents and tourists to take photos. It sits on eight acres of urban park land in downtown Toronto.

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Spadina-Fort York Coun. Ausma Malik, who represents the area, said she is disheartened and upset by the news of the canoe.

“The Red Canoe is beloved public art and iconic spot that I adore in one of our busiest downtown parks,” Malik said. “I’m in touch with Toronto Fire to understand what happened and what we can do next.”

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