Regina’s oldest tree preserved and honoured in bronze artwork

The Cathedral neighbourhood has a new piece of civic art that honours and preserves the memory of Regina’s oldest tree — a 123-year-old American elm once rooted in Victoria Park.

The tree was removed in 2023 to prevent it from harbouring Dutch elm disease.

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“Portions of the elm not used in the creation of the art were respectfully shared with local Elders for Indigenous ceremonial use,” the City of Regina said in a statement.

“This artwork preserves the beauty and significance of this elm tree in a meaningful way for both current residents and future generations,” said Robyn Barclay, coordinator of cultural development for the City of Regina. “This project helps to remind us of our shared human connection to the earth and that life is cyclical.”

The art piece features the debarked tree trunk, adorned with bronze figures. The piece will be placed in Les Sherman Park, where it will naturally decay over time and leave behind the bronze figures.

The City commissioned local artist Sean Whalley, who worked with three students from the University of Regina. (City of Regina/Submitted)

Last August, the City of Regina announced the search for an artist to transform the tree’s trunk into an art project. The 2025 Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre’s resident artist was tasked with creating a project that commemorates the tree’s rich history and brings awareness to Queen City’s urban forest while mentoring an emerging artist along the way.

The city commissioned local artist Sean Whalley, who worked with three students from the University of Regina to create the piece. Whalley, known for work with natural materials and public installations, led the students in the bronze casting process.

Whalley said he felt cutting up the tree felt like a disservice.

“Casting bronze that would outlive me felt like the right way to honour its legacy,” said Whalley. “I’m also grateful for the chance to work with such talented, young and upcoming artists – seeing their ideas take shape and watching them grow through this process has been incredibly rewarding.”

The elm was standing when Regina was established in 1882, the city explained, and it also survived the Regina Cyclone in 1912.

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— with files from Gillian Massie