Indigenous artist provides an inspiring new look at OPG’s Lennox station
At a glance
- Two new murals were recently unveiled at OPG’s Lennox Generating Station (GS), located in southeast Ontario near Napanee.
- Local Indigenous artist Kory Parkin brought the new pieces to life, aimed at capturing the spirit of the station and its surrounding lands.
- Lennox, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, plays a critical role in ensuring Ontario’s electricity system remains reliable, resilient, and affordable.
Fifty years after first going into service, OPG’s Lennox GS has received a glow-up with the help of a local Indigenous artist.
As part of the dual-fired station’s renovation and branding effort, artist Kory Parkin, a proud member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, recently put the finishing touches on two prominent murals for the plant.
The new art pieces are positioned to be routinely observed by staff and visitors alike, giving them a glimpse into Parkin’s inspiration and message. To inform his work, the artist visited Lennox, touring the site and the surrounding grounds, as well as speaking with station staff to get their input.
“When I first started the creation process, it was important to hear the story of the station and its workers,” said Parkin. “They shared their vision of what was important to them: the wetlands, the waterways, the land they occupy, sports, and one of the location's names. I look for ways to create a meaningful story by recognizing not only where we are today but also what shaped how we got here.”
New murals unveiled at Lennox
Parkin’s centrepiece mural includes Canada’s two national sports — ice hockey and lacrosse — as well as a reference to the surrounding lands. The second piece includes images of the station, Lake Ontario, grasslands, and icons and imagery inspired by Parkin’s Turtle Clan background.
among Indigenous people is that connecting with the land is connecting with our culture,” explained Parkin of his process. “So, it's important to recognize the location, what matters to the people there, and how I can include that in my art.”
The new art pieces were commissioned at an opportune time as Lennox celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. It’s a milestone anniversary for a facility that has continually stepped up for Ontario. As a thermal facility, Lennox can quickly dispatch power – up to 2,160 megawatts, or enough to power about 2 million homes – for when the province needs it most, whether it’s a blistering heat wave or frigid cold snap.
I look for ways to create a meaningful story by recognizing not only where we are today but also what shaped how we got here.Kory ParkinArtist and member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
“The people of Lennox are immensely proud of their roles within OPG and how they support powering Ontario,” said Neil Wyatt, Manager Work Centre/Maintenance for Lennox GS. “Working with Kory to capture the spirit of Lennox as well as the history of the land and Indigenous people of the past helps remind our employees about our significance within the province each day.”
| The dual-fired Lennox GS primarily burns natural gas but can switch to residual fuel oil during shortages. It plays a key role in keeping Ontario’s energy system reliable, resilient, and affordable. |
With this project complete, Parkin will next be working on another mural, this time for a health building on his home reserve.
“Throughout my artistic journey, I've been blessed with so many great opportunities and people to work with,” he said. “I don't take any of these for granted and am grateful for all the people who love my art and share it. It's a different appreciation hearing from people who not only love my art but also love the message it sends or the lesson it teaches. People feel more connected and want to learn more, which has also opened my eyes to new experiences and stories about my culture.”
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