Toronto — Toronto’s most playful landmark, the Berczy Park Dog Fountain, is set for a full makeover this winter as the city plans to restore and repaint its 27 iconic dog sculptures — and one mischievous cat — for the first time since the fountain’s debut eight years ago.
City officials confirmed that the whimsical statues will be temporarily removed during the colder months while a vendor is selected to repair and repaint each figure. The refreshed pack is expected to return to their posts in spring 2026, restored to their original vivid colours that once delighted visitors of all ages.
The fountain, located in Toronto’s Old Town near the St. Lawrence Market, features two tiers of dogs spraying water toward a golden bone perched atop the structure, with one lone cat — affectionately known as Pam McCat, named after late councillor Pam McConnell — gazing toward a pair of birds nearby.
According to Mary McDonald, co-founder of Friends of Berczy Park, the restoration is long overdue. “We have been asking for this for two years, so I’m thrilled that it will happen during the off-shoulder season,” she said, noting that the bright coats of paint have gradually faded and chipped since the fountain’s unveiling in 2017.
McDonald added that the use of realistic, life-like colours was the creative vision of Claude Cormier, the celebrated Montreal-based landscape architect who designed the fountain and passed away in 2023. “He was adamant that the dogs have life-like colours,” she said. “That’s what makes them feel joyful and alive.”
Beyond its artistic charm, the Berczy Park Dog Fountain has become a community favourite — a magnet for tourists, photographers, and local families. The fountain even includes a trough of drinking water for real-life canine visitors, blending functionality with fun.
During past winter holidays, volunteers from Friends of Berczy Park have adorned the statues with colourful scarves, but McDonald said this year’s tradition will likely pause to make way for the restoration work. “It’s worth the wait,” she said. “This fountain brings smiles to everyone who passes by — it deserves to shine again.”
Members of Friends of Berczy Park are also advocating for a commemorative plaque honouring Claude Cormier, recognizing his contributions to Toronto’s urban landscape. In addition to the dog fountain, Cormier designed several of the city’s most iconic public spaces, including Sugar Beach’s pink umbrellas and Love Park’s heart-shaped pond.
McDonald recalled that the idea for the dog-themed fountain was born from a community survey conducted by Friends of Berczy Park in 2014. “Claude approached us after hearing about our survey of dog owners,” she said. “He said, ‘That’s it — dogs will be my inspiration.’”
When the statues return next spring, Toronto’s best-behaved pack — and their feline companion — will once again greet visitors in full colour, ready to splash joy back into the heart of Old Town.