This Historic Places Day, take a moment to discover Low Square, a treasured green space in the heart of Renfrew’s historic downtown—where past and present meet in lasting tribute.
Originally known as Albion Square, this public corner was transformed in 1918 by the Honourable Thomas Andrew Low, a local entrepreneur and Member of Parliament. At his own expense, he landscaped the grounds into a park and gifted it to the Town of Renfrew, which renamed it “Low Square” in recognition of his generosity.
In 1931, Low Square became home to the Renfrew Cenotaph, Tom Low’s final gift to the town. Crafted from grey granite and designed by architects Richard Hubert Millson and Cecil Burgess, the memorial bears the names of local soldiers lost in the World Wars and the Korean conflict. Though Tom Low passed before it was unveiled, his legacy was carried forward by his son William. The Cenotaph was restored in 2008 with support from Veterans Affairs Canada, ensuring its enduring presence in the town’s civic landscape.
Visitors can also discover several historic plaques throughout the square.
But Low Square is far more than a place of remembrance. Situated in front of Town Hall, the park remains an active community hub. From markets and live music to craft beer festivals and twinkling Christmas lights, Low Square is a hub of Town of Renfrew and Renfrew BIA programming. It serves as a vibrant gathering place for all seasons.
Come explore the stories etched in stone, feel the echoes of history underfoot, and celebrate a space that honours the past while embracing the present.
