PORT COQUITLAM, B.C. – August 6, 2025 – The City of Port Coquitlam is proud to announce the upcoming unveiling of Gateway of Giants, a unique public art installation honouring hometown hero Terry Fox. The ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, in the plaza in front of 2150 Wilson Avenue, Port Coquitlam. This event commemorates the 45th anniversary of Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope. The public is invited to attend this special event, which will include members of the Fox family and a celebratory program.
“The Gateway of Giants sculptures are a powerful tribute to Terry Fox’s enduring spirit and deep roots in our community,” said Mayor Brad West. “Terry grew up here in Port Coquitlam, and it’s where the foundation of his journey was laid. 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.”
The Gateway of Giants comprises two distinct sculptures, that captures the spirit of Terry Fox growing up in Port Coquitlam. The artwork, skillfully created by artist Casto Solano, inspires residents and visitors to recognize and share Terry Fox’s legacy as a national hero in his hometown.
The sculptures create a space within the plaza for people to connect, celebrate and remember where Terry began his journey as an optimistic young person in Port Coquitlam. The figures are designed to be approachable and relatable, inviting viewers to walk right up to them, touch them, take photographs, or sit on one of the nearby benches for a moment of contemplation. A bronze plaque about the work will be installed on the ground.
“Our family is honoured that the City of Port Coquitlam is adding another tribute to Terry in the place he called home,” said Kirsten Fox, Terry’s niece. “This new statue of a young Terry is especially meaningful, as it reflects his roots and the early years that helped shape his determination and values. We’re grateful to the City for its continued support, and to Casto for capturing Terry’s spirit with such care and thoughtfulness.”
The sculptures will be strategically placed along the walkway leading to the entrance of the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, bringing vibrancy and life to the plaza. They also serve as a gateway to the new Terry Fox: Inspiring Local Champions exhibit inside the community centre, which opened on April 12, 2025. This exhibit honours Terry Fox as a hometown hero, highlighting his resilience, determination, and community spirit, and features interactive displays and artifacts. Artifacts on display, in collaboration with the Fox family and the Terry Fox Centre, include Terry Fox’s spare prosthetic leg, an adidas running shoe, and a Marathon of Hope t-shirt, alongside items from his school years. The interactive Terry Fox timeline invites visitors to explore his early years in Port Coquitlam. The exhibits also showcase Port Coquitlam’s history of local champions and community builders, including Olympic athletes, professional athletes, and coaches.
About the Artist
The artwork was created by award-winning Spanish artist Casto Solano, who has more than thirty years of experience in public art and sculpture. Solano was selected by the City to design and create the new Terry Fox sculptures through a rigorous international selection process, which included the Terry Fox family. The project was awarded to Solano based on his significant skill and experience, his track record in sculpting highly representational artworks that capture both the likeness and essence of real people, and his collaborative approach. Solano expresses a deep personal interest in Terry Fox as a person and as an inspiring figure of national and global significance.
In addition to the Gateway of Giants and the exhibits, visitors can connect with Terry Fox's legacy at several other notable locations throughout Port Coquitlam. These monuments include the Marathon of Hope installation on Kelly Avenue, featuring a giant map of his run embedded into the pavement with details, photos, and journal entries in nearby signage. Starting September 12, residents will also be able to view a display of photographs from Terry’s Marathon of Hope at City Hall. Residents and visitors may also respectfully visit Terry Fox’s gravesite at the Port Coquitlam Cemetery.
Event Details:
The unveiling ceremony for the Gateway of Giants -Terry Fox Sculptures will commence at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, in the plaza in front of 2150 Wilson Avenue, Port Coquitlam. The public is invited to join Council and members of the Fox family for this special occasion, which will include official speeches, a community gathering, and the opportunity to view the new sculptures and explore the adjacent Terry Fox: Inspiring Local Champions exhibits. Attendees can also look forward to activities showcasing the Terry Fox movie and other engaging activities in the Terry Fox Hometown Square.
This unveiling event is a significant moment for the City of Port Coquitlam, inviting everyone to celebrate Terry Fox's enduring legacy and be inspired by his spirit of determination and hope.
For more information, visit portcoquitlam.ca/gateway.
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