The Royal Canadian Legion Bayview Branch #022 is working to transform the Grand Bay-Westfield cenotaph into a Veterans’ Peace Park.
The cenotaph, located by the post office, is quite dated, according to the vice-president of the local Legion.
“You can see the weather wear on the stone, the sidewalk leading in is quite worn as well … so it’s a revitalization,” Cory Ryan said in an interview.
Initial designs illustrate the current trees at the cenotaph will remain but with enhancements to lighting, shrubbery, flowers, seating, walkways, additional flag poles, and monuments.
After feedback from Legion members, veterans and Indigenous Peoples, the branch wanted to ensure the park was inclusive and a place to reflect.
“That’s one thing I’m excited about is the inclusiveness, the inclusion of the Indigenous aspect when it comes to a peace monument, and certain designs of the park,” mentioned Ryan.
Ryan added the park is going to be developed in stages over a few years.
“We’re looking at this as a multi-year project, three, four or five years, and doing phases as we go to get to our final design.”
The branch received initial funding from Crane Mountain Enhancements to pay for design drawings from the Glenn Group of Landscape Architects of Fredericton.
The next phase is to take the initial design to Grand Bay-Westfield’s town council, and to start seeking funding through federal and provincial grants, as well as finding corporate community sponsors.
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