Future Location of Kenora's Rotary Peace Park/Screen Grab from Dryden Rotary Meeting/Supplied By Kenora Rotary
The Rotary Club of Kenora is now halfway towards their fundraising goal for their Rotary Peace Park in partnership with the City of Kenora and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Transgender, 2 Spirit+ Ontario Committee.
Community members have raised nearly 55 thousand dollars so far and Kenora members spoke with the Rotary Club of Dryden at their virtual meeting Wednesday about the on going project.
Kelly Williams explains the park is an effort towards reconciliation and combating racism against Indigenous people in Kenora.
Screen Grab of Peace Pole and Monument/ Dryden Rotary Meeting/ Supplied By Kenora Rotary
“It’s been coming more and more to the fore front and we just felt that this was a good time for us to show leadership within Kenora to do what we could to build peace. The City agreed and the committee decided that they wanted to join us and place on the two memorials that are going to be in Ontario at our Peace Park.”
Williams continues: “There will be some seating in that area (the park) as well as some nice green space, the peace poll, the monument (from the Ontario committee) and the flag poll. One of the main features is of course our lake!”
While the club is still looking to reach a hundred thousand dollars, member John Dahl says teaming up with local restaurants for fundraisers like ‘Pizza for Peace’ and ‘Pasta For Peace’ proved to be very successful.
“Instead of asking restaurants for money at this time (during COVID-19), this way they still get to make a profit and they end up having three to five people working at the restaurants. They make a little bit and we make a little bit, it’s a win for the business and it’s a win for our Peace Park.”
Kenora member Deb LaMaistre adds they also have the support of area First Nations.
“We received a letter of support from Chief Waylon Scott of Wabaseemoong Independent Nations, who said “I don’t see this as being a step forward, I see it more as a leap forward. Looking forward to our continued friendship and great working relationship. Miigwetch.” So, I think this is making a lot of inroads with our reconciliation that’s happening right now and we’re really happy to have them working with us.”
The club hopes to see the Peace Pole up as soon as possible and construction complete by the end of year, with the delivery of the monument anytime from this fall to next spring.
Screengrab of Peace Park Design Plans/Dryden Rotary Meeting/Supplied By Kenora Rotary
