The Ed Broadbent Human Rights Garden honours the legacy of human rights advocacy and recognizes the rights of Indigenous Peoples across the land. It’s a key feature of Oshawa’s Waterfront Park, located at 169 Harbour Road.
Broadbent served as the President of the International Centre for Human Rights in 1988 and founded the Broadbent Institute in 2011. Throughout his career, he worked to advance the rights of marginalized communities. The garden itself features 13 beds, representing the 13 prohibited grounds of discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Compared to the bustling Lakefront Park, Waterfront Park is perfect for a calm summer stroll, which is one of Julie MacIsaac’s favourite parts. MacIsaac, the director of innovation and transformation at the City of Oshawa, describes it as a calm place for reflection.
“It is quiet, it is peaceful, there are lots of trails for activity,” she said.
Ten years ago, Rick Kerr began developing the idea of a Human Rights Garden in Oshawa. Kerr, a former professor of diversity and human rights at Durham College, later served as chair of the City of Oshawa’s Community Services Committee.
Inspired by the introspective experience of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, he realized that Durham Region would benefit from a similar space. “I thought it would be a contemplative place to be,” he said.
The park was officially opened in Broadbent’s name on June 1, 2023, honouring his lifelong dedication to human rights.
Lisa Terech of the Community Engagement Office at the Oshawa Historical Museum, described the park as a “fitting memorial to him in his hometown.”
MacIsaac also explained why the park’s location is so meaningful: “That area is very significant because it’s right at the water. Water is very significant to Indigenous culture,” MacIsaac says.
Oshawa has supported the Indigenous community through initiatives within the Waterfront Park. These include the planting of an Orange Garden for Reconciliation and the raising of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation flag. The park also hosts events that aim to foster awareness and recognition of Indigenous heritage.
On May 31, from noon to 4 p.m., the City of Oshawa will host an Indigenous Cultural Celebration taking place at Ed Broadbent Park. Admission is free.
MacIsaac shared that plans are underway to install educational signage throughout the garden this summer, aiming to enhance public understanding of human rights and Indigenous history.
Broadbent himself championed the idea of equality and civic engagement throughout his career.
“We know it’s desirable and possible to create a Canada with more involvement by our citizens, a Canada where we see our neighbours, not as competitors but as friends, a Canada that is healthier and happier in every respect,” Broadbent said in 2009, according to a Government of Canada memoriam.
“Our task is to demonstrate in every conceivable way, that with more equality, this Canada is possible,” he said.