Purple bench honours woman tragically murdered in Midland, Ont.

A purple bench in Midland honours a woman tragically murdered earlier this year.

A purple lumber bench stands along the Midland harbor honouring Julia Brady, a local woman who was murdered earlier this year.

Tuesday’s unveiling reflected on all victims of abuse committed by intimate partners.

Brady, 23, was found dead inside a Seventh Street Midland apartment complex. Police charged her boyfriend, Justus Chester, with second-degree murder.

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Julia’s loved ones told CTV News in March that she lived in the apartment unit with the accused. The two started dating in the spring after meeting on the dating app Tinder. Two months later she was killed.

This memorial site is part of a national project that aims to support victims and inspire change. Each bench is placed in a public space within the community. The Purple Bench Program launched back in 2015 all began after the tragic death of Barbara Baillie, who was murdered by her husband in 1990.

Huronia Transition Homes made this project entirely possible. Through the 2025 Town Park Bench Program, Midland staff were able to secure purple composite lumber as a pilot to test the feasibility.

As part of this tribute, the team also secured two purple Muskoka chairs to accompany the memorial.

The project was revealed during a community event where families and supporters came together to raise awareness and show their solidarity.

With files from CTV’s Mike Arsalides.