The Wishing Tower – Facts

The ‘Wishing Tower’ created by artist Ron Baird is transforming an undervalued public space at the Beaverton harbour with a welcoming icon, establishing a gathering space and commemorating the original indigenous peoples and the 200th anniversary of the arrival of Scottish settlers who established Beaverton.

The sculpture is made from surgical quality stainless steel and stands approximately 44 Ft. (13.5 metres) high. It is 12 feet (4 metres) in diameter. The weight is just over 3 tons. The design is kinetic with the upper section harnessing the wind to turn the inner spiral and reflecting orbs.

Why is it called the Wishing Tower?

The Wishing Tower, a contemporary kinetic design centered on the universal theme of wishes, draws inspiration from the timeless practice of ‘making a wish’ prevalent across ages and cultures worldwide. Throughout history and various geographies, the enchantment of wishing has been linked to elements like water, wells, fountains, trees, and special stones, captivating countless tales of offering hopes to the universe for fulfillment. Renowned kinetic sculptor Ron Baird brings this magic to Beaverton Harbour through his creation, ‘The Wishing Tower.’

Baird envisions the sculpture positioned at the harbour entrance, serving as an iconic welcome that encapsulates the enchantment people of all ages experience upon entering the space. His proposed design intricately weaves together elements such as water, shoreline, trees, and sunsets. The whimsical aspects of the sculpture, coupled with its kinetic movement, artfully mirror the fluidity of waves and bubbles, serving as a connecting element that beckons individuals to extend their explorations from the Lions Walking Trail to the natural beauty of the berm, descending to the harbour shoreline.

Beaverton Harbour and The Wishing Tower

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, The Wishing Tower holds significance as a commemoration of the early indigenous peoples who gathered at the site for fishing and hunting. It resonates with the aspirations carried by the first settlers, departing their Scottish homeland on a challenging journey towards a new life. The sculpture also symbolizes the collective wishes of those who cherish our lakes and rivers, expressing a desire for the sustained health of the water and the native species inhabiting the area.

Making a Wish

The site of The Wishing Tower was deliberately placed on a point where three Ley Lines intersect.

Ley Lines are rivers of energy that crisscross the world connecting sacred sites. Where they intersect there is a deep concentration of properties of healing and wish fulfillment.

Sitting quietly on one of the three Wishing Tower benches facing the direction you choose for yourself, you can let this energy come into you, fostering a sense of balance between yourself and the natural world. This site has been a magical ground for thousands of years.

Make a wish and the Tower will broadcast it to the universe.

About the Artist – Ron Baird Artist

Ron Baird is one of Canada’s most renowned sculptors having executed over 300 public, corporate and private commissions. His works are recognized because they often celebrate the accomplishments of others. Dedicated to emergency workers, the generosity of donors, Canadian peace-keeping efforts, our history-makers, our First Nations, his works are in many public parks, churches, synagogues, community centres, libraries, and government buildings, not only in Ontario, but across Canada.

Joan Murray, art critic and author has said, “Some artists are like explorers who create their own maps. Because of their discoveries our way of experiencing develops a new sensitivity. Ron Baird is one who has developed a new aesthetic form in Canada, sculpture in the context of architecture.”