Add peace pole to visitor centre

Dear Editor: It’s not too late. Landscaping for the Kelowna Visitor Centre remains to be completed. Let’s add a peace pole. An eight-foot peace pole imploring “May peace prevail on earth” in eight languages of First Nations and dominant settler groups will express our Canadian values of inclusion and mutual respect.

What visitor wouldn’t want to be photographed beside such a symbol of our collective yearning for peace?

What local wouldn’t be proud to have our city remembered for its beautiful lake, vibrant downtown, Ogopogo legend, public art work and welcoming peace pole? Symbols matter. Walls between countries speak of hatred, exclusion and mean-spirited isolationism, the values of a country that ranks No. 121 on the Global Peace Index 2018.

The railroad, one of Canada’s formative symbols, speaks of connection, as does a peace pole.

A peace pole in front of the Kelowna Visitors Centre will express the gracious welcome of our city and our country, which ranks No. 6 on the 2018 Global Peace Index.

At a price tag of around $500, it’s a small price to pay for priceless returns on our symbolic investment in peace.

It’s not too late. Landscaping for the Kelowna Visitor Centre remains to be completed.

Let’s add a peace pole.

Pam Kemp Kelowna