One of Canada’s most recognizable coins is celebrating a milestone and it has a Northumberland connection.
The polar bear featured on Canada’s two-dollar coin turned 30 years old this week. The design was created by Campbellford wildlife artist Brent Townshend and has appeared on the reverse of the toonie since its introduction in 1996.
The Royal Canadian Mint launched the two-dollar coin that year, replacing the two-dollar bill. Townshend’s depiction of a solitary polar bear standing on an ice floe quickly became an enduring national symbol.
Known for his detailed wildlife paintings, Townshend designed the coin to reflect Canada’s northern heritage and natural environment. The image has remained largely unchanged over three decades, making it one of the most familiar pieces of everyday art in the country.
While millions of Canadians handle the coin daily, few may realize its connection to a small Ontario community.
Thirty years on, the toonie’s polar bear continues to represent Canada at home and abroad, a testament to both the country’s wildlife and the artistic vision of it’s Campbellford creator whose work has quite literally become part of Canadian currency.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
