A new national monument, which will memorialize the historical discrimination against LGBTQ2+ Canadians, has been approved to be built on Wellington Street at the Portage Bridge in Ottawa.

The National Capital Commission's (NCC) Board of Directors approved a site, Thursday, on the north-east side of the intersection, near Library and Archives Canada headquarters and the Ottawa River.

The NCC says it selected this site because of its proximity to the Judicial Precinct and other key monuments, its balance of public visibility and space for contemplation, its central location, as well as its capacity for future gatherings of up to 2,000 people.

The LGBTQ2+ National Monument is expected to cost $8-million, and be paid entirely through the LGBT Purge Fund.

"Monuments are powerful reminders of our history. They can unite us in grief, help us learn about our past and bring us together as Canadians," said Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault. "This monument will invite Canadians to reflect on this shameful time in our history and allow us to move forward together toward a future where all Canadians are respected for who they are."

Going forward, Canadian Heritage is the overall project lead and will be responsible for the design competition for this national monument. That's expected to start this spring. The second phase of the design competition will go this fall. Read more via Ottawa Matters