SINCLAIR, Stinson Kennedy (1904-1947) designed an important modernist landmark in Ontario which is unequaled in northern Ontario for its forceful styling and composition. Commissioned in late 1945 and completed in 1947, the Memorial Gardens Arena, Queen Street East, SAULT STE. MARIE, ONT. was intended to commemorate those citizens of the town who fell during WWII, and Kennedy presented a striking scheme dominated by a memorial chamber and tower which was lit from within at night (Sault Star, 8 Jan. 1946, 1 & 11, illlus.; R. Cawker, Viewpoints: One Hundred Years of Architecture in Ontario, 1989, 90-1, illus.; Tim Morawetz, Art Deco Architecture Across Canada, 2017, 273, illus. & descrip.). This landmark was demolished in 2006.
Born in Toronto, Sinclair graduated from the School of Architecture at the University of Toronto in 1927 and articled with S.B. Coon from 1927 to 1932 before joining the design department of Bell Telephone Co. in Toronto. From 1934 to 1939 he was assistant Chief Architect in the Ontario Dept. of Public Works, but he resigned from this post to join the R.C.A.F. during WWII. After 1945 he commenced practice in London, Ont. and designed North Essex High School, BELLE RIVER, ONT., a public school at BLENHEIM, ONT. and the offices of the Sentinel-Review News Co. at WOODSTOCK, ONT. Sinclair died in London, Ont. on 11 April 1947 (obit. London Free Press, 11 April 1947, 17; R.A.I.C. Journal, xxiv, June 1947, 220)