The idea for the sculpture garden originated with Louis L. Odette, a prominent businessman and long time supporter of the arts who has collected painting and sculpture for many years. He has also promoted sculpture in the public domain, spearheading the development of the L.L. Odette Centre of Sculpture at York University, funding art in public spaces (The Art of the Horse, a year long show at Toronto's Harbour Square Park, and the recently completed Windsor Sculpture Garden) and donating art to public institutions.