The Shrine Peace Memorial was designed by American sculptor Charles Keck. It features a bronze figure and a white granite semi-circular bench set on a stone base. The bronze figure depicts a winged angel, the Goddess of Peace, with her arms upraised and holding two olive branches (the symbol of peace). The angel stands on a globe supported by three female sphinxes. It was unveiled on June 12, 1930, during a convention of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Shriners).
The sculpture commemorates over a century of peace between Canada and the United States and the location is thought to be where American troops landed during the War of 1812 for the Battle of York.
In 1931, floodlights were added to the memorial to represent the great sacrifices made by Canadians in the interest of peace.
The garden and fountain were officially opened on August 20, 1958, and the memorial was re-dedicated to the cause of peace by Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. It was again re-dedicated on July 4, 1989, during a Shriners convention.
