Port Coquitlam residents gathered Saturday to witness the unveiling of Gateway of Giants, a new public art installation honouring Terry Fox in his hometown.
The two-piece sculpture, designed by Spanish artist Casto Solano, was revealed at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) on Sept. 13.
The installation depicts Terry Fox in his youth, crafted to be approachable and interactive.
City staff and volunteers lowered a large blue covering to reveal the bronze figures to cheers from the crowd.
The ceremony featured speeches by Mayor Brad West, MLA Mike Farnworth, Doug Alward (Terry’s best friend), and Kirsten Fox (Terry’s niece).
“Being Terry’s hometown is the greatest honour. We continue to share his story, keep his Marathon of Hope alive, and remember his incredible determination and spirit,” the City of Port Coquitlam stated in a social media post on Saturday.
On social media, many shared their pride in seeing the Gateway of Giants unveiled in Terry’s hometown.
One suggested Fox deserves even broader recognition, including appearing on Canada’s currency.
Some comments reflected the pride of residents, calling it “an honour to recognize Terry as a true Canadian hero.”
Many simply reacted with enthusiasm, with one commenter writing: “Very cool!! ❤️❤️”
Approachable and relatable artwork
The sculptures were intentionally designed to be interactive, inviting passersby to walk up, touch, and take photos, or sit nearby for a moment of contemplation.
A bronze plaque will also be installed at the plaza.
As previously reported byDaily Hive Urbanized, the installation sits along the main walkway leading into the community centre and acts as an entry point to the permanent exhibit Terry Fox: Inspiring Local Champions.
West previously described the project as “a powerful tribute to Terry Fox’s enduring spirit and deep roots in our community.”
“Terry grew up here in Port Coquitlam, and it’s where the foundation of his journey was laid,” West said at the time.
“Seeing his story reflected in these sculptures — especially the depiction of him as a young teen — brings it even closer to home. This artwork will inspire both residents and visitors to reflect on Terry’s legacy and to discover the strength within themselves, just as Terry did right here in PoCo.”
Inside the permanent exhibit
The permanent Inspiring Local Champions exhibit, which opened earlier this year, features artifacts from Fox’s life, including one of his prosthetic legs, an adidas running shoe, and a Marathon of Hope t-shirt.
Interactive displays trace his early years in Port Coquitlam, alongside memorabilia from his school years.
The exhibit also highlights Port Coquitlam’s role in shaping champions across generations, celebrating everyone from Olympic athletes to local coaches.
Saturday’s unveiling was followed by family-friendly activities, including a screening of the Terry Fox movie, a kids’ “Marathon of Hope” on Kelly Avenue, and booths from the PoCo Heritage Museum and Archives and the Terry Fox Foundation.
Attendees also made commemorative buttons to wear at Sunday’s 45th annual Terry Fox Hometown Run.
In Port Coquitlam, visitors can further connect with Fox’s story at the Marathon of Hope installation on Kelly Avenue, a new photo display at City Hall, and his gravesite at the city cemetery.
With files from Kenneth Chan.
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