The Cochrane Legion is aiming to raise $20,000 to complete its planned expansion of the community cenotaph.
But the push is to raise these funds before the end of summer – in order to move forward with the cenotaph revitalization and bronze memorial project in its entirety.
The goal is to unveil the renovated public space and the bronze statue of a fallen First World War soldier by the end of October – in time for Remembrance Day. The statue is the work of Don Begg and Shirley Stephens-Begg of Studio West Bronze Foundry & Art Gallery.
“Every nickel counts … the community has been very supportive,” said project lead and Legion vice-president Dave Usherwood.
Usherwood said the Legion is looking to beautify the cenotaph – phase two of the project – including the removal of the fence around the perimeter of its location at the corner of First Street and Fifth Ave West.
He added public engagement has revealed that many do not perceive the cenotaph space as public space, rather as Legion property. The goal of the cenotaph revitalization project is to create a public space that would be used as a common green space.
The Legion is also awaiting news regarding a combined $75,000 in federal and provincial grant dollars it has applied for.
Should it be successful, it would bring the total fundraised to $20,000 shy of the $215,000 budget for phases one and two of the project.
Phase one now includes two flagpoles instead of one – to flank the at-cost bronze statue being created by Studio West, with one pole bearing the Canadian flag and the other the provincial one.
Phase two includes the improvement of the cenotaph space, including landscaping, pathways, walkways and the removal of the fence around the perimeter of the park.
