The team for the cenotaph renovation project is firming up its budget for phase one of the community project, with an unveiling by late October – in advance of Remembrance Day.
“We would like to be finished this project this year – depending on funds,” said Cochrane Legion first vice-president Dave Usherwood, who is flanked by sergeant-at-Arms Steve Merritt and community member Todd Puzey as project leads.
The draft of the enhanced cenotaph design, created by On Growing Works, has been revealed with some minor tweaks and adjustments anticipated to the design of the walkways.
What began as an initiative led by Puzey to commission and enact a bronze statue of a First World War soldier made by Don Begg and Shirley Stephens-Begg of Studio West Bronze Foundry has transformed into a full-scale revitalization of the cenotaph park.
“This is a 150th anniversary project and to recognize significant WWI battles from 100 years ago,” said Puzey, adding that making the park more accessible and encouraging daily park use by the community is essential to their vision.
Phase one costs are projected at $133,350 for the at-cost statue being created by the Beggs, the flagpole and base addition; the legion is hoping to shave a little off this amount with some possible in-kind donations.
Phase two is budgeted at $100,000 and includes the walkways, park benches, perimeter fence panels, landscaping and an historical memorial plaque monument.
Less the $65,000 grant from the town and an additional nearly $40,000 in fundraising efforts, the project still requires around $100,000.
Usherwood said they are currently waiting to hear back on a few grant applications, amounting to roughly $50,000.
“We started talking about this idea and I thought this is something we should go with,” said Merritt, adding that the enhancement project of the town-owned and legion-maintained site coincides with the town’s Historic Downtown Revitalization Project.
The timing of the statue coincides with several significant anniversaries: the 90th anniversary of the Legion, the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge; and Canada’s 150th birthday.
