Some residents have complained about the removal of trees, while others are concerned about ongoing maintenance, but the $66,000 renovation proposed for the Rockwood cenotaph suits Bryan Alder just fine.
“Ninety per cent of it I like,” Alder told the Advertiser following a public meeting on the changes on March 22.
The Rockwood resident, who was representing the Acton Legion at the meeting, said he particularly likes the removal of the cement partition and steel bars at the front of the cenotaph.
“It looks like a great idea,” he said. “It’ll be a nice improvement.”
About 15 people attended the meeting at St. John Anglican Church, which overlooks the cenotaph.
Landscape architect Wendy Shearer, of MHBC Planning, led the meeting and told those in attendance the proposed changes should result in three improvements: better accessibility for those in wheelchairs, increased capacity to host people during ceremonies and improving the overall appearance at the site.
“The monument itself is stunning and we aren’t proposing any changes to it,” Shearer said.
However, when one resident suggested a portion of the monument was in need of repair, Mayor Chris White said the township would investigate and if repairs are needed, ensure proper protocol is followed.
Major changes proposed for the cenotaph include:
– removing the bars and cement at the front of the cenotaph and replacing it with a direct walkway to three steps leading up to a new cenotaph landing;
– installing a sloped walkway (for wheelchair access) at the right side of the cenotaph leading to the rear of the new landing;
– replacing the current fence at the rear of the monument with a white picket fence with a gate;
– installing benches along the inside of the new fence;
– new retaining walls at the front of the landing that would have an area for planting of flowers or shrubs;
– evenly spacing out the four flags at the back near the new fence (currently three are in a row with one set back from the others); and
– removing the two maple trees at the sides of the cenotaph and replacing them with two new ones that are uniform in size.
Two people at the meeting objected to the removal of those trees, but Shearer said they are not uniform in size and have “really lost their contribution to the site.” Plus, she added, the grading required at the site could result in damage to the existing trees.
One woman said various groups have maintained the site over the years and she wondered who would take over that job when the project is completed. White said the plan is for the municipality to take over maintenance and to develop a schedule for the site.
“I have faith in our staff … that they can maintain this site, as they do township parks,” White said.
He agreed with one resident it could be a good idea to install a plaque somewhere that explains the history of the site.
When Shearer suggested the changes would mean the site could accommodate more people at the rear of the cenotaph for ceremonies, several people scoffed at the idea.
Alder said people want to stand in the front and look at the cenotaph on Remembrance Day – not stand at the back.
White said that may be the case, but the township would still close the roads during ceremonies and if people still flowed to the front of the cenotaph, then that is fine.
“We’re just trying to improve the site. We don’t want to change the history or tradition,” the mayor said, adding the township has the blessing of the federal government.
“We recognize this is an important place and we don’t want to do anything to detract from that.”
Several in attendance agreed with one resident, who suggested the “lovely design” makes great use of the limited space at the site.
Township officials hope to break ground as soon as possible, depending on funding for the project. The goal is to officially unveil the renovated cenotaph late this summer, in plenty of time to host public ceremonies in November.
Chief administration officer Janice Sheppard said the township is seeking federal government funding for a portion of the total estimated cost of $66,000. She also noted there could be a fundraising campaign to help cover costs.
