Phase two of the Cochrane Legion’s Cenotaph Revitalization Project will be deferred until next year, due to timing and financial constraints.
According to Dave Usherwood, legion vice-president, the decision was made upon learning that the $75,000 worth of grants the legion applied to the province and federal governments for could not be confirmed at this time.
“We can’t do anything if the money isn’t forthcoming this season,” said Usherwood, adding that the applications have been well received and that he is hopeful both will go through – only that the timing would not work in order to complete the second phase of the project, which includes extensive landscaping, before the ground freezes this fall.
Terry Norman of OnGrowing Works – the local company taking the lead on project design and construction at-cost – said that now is the time for the community to step forward and get involved.
“Our hope is to integrate as many local companies as possible,” said Norman, adding that community involvement will help move the grant wheels along – as governments tend to provide more support to popular projects.
Norman said OnGrowing Works looks to take on one community project each year and they are “happy to help out” with the cenotaph project for the legion.
Meanwhile, the bronze statue of the fallen First World War soldier is getting the final touches by creators Don Begg and Shirley Stephens-Begg of Studio West Bronze Foundry & Art Gallery.
The at-cost bronze is included in phase one, with the cenotaph base, two flag poles and replacement of the existing length of fencing with black mesh.
Reveal of phase one is targeted for Oct. 26 – in plenty of time for Remembrance Day; the cost of this phase is around $133,000.
Should the legion be successful with their grant applications, the total community fundraising pressures would remain at around $20,000 for completion of phase two – which will cost around $100,000.
Phase two also includes the install of pathways, walkways and benches.
The town will be removing the perimeter fencing in the coming weeks – based on public perception that the cenotaph space needs to be opened up to the community as a more inviting gathering space.
For more information or to get involved, contact OnGrowing Works or the Cochrane Legion.
