Memorial needs artistic touch
Gateway court project moving forward
A plan to perhaps put a pair of bronze cowboy boots in downtown Welland, a tribute to the late Peter Kormos, has taken another step forward.
More than a year after plans for a Welland market square gateway with memorial were unveiled to the public, the city is turning to artists to bring their creative fl air to the project.
The municipality has put out a call to artists to submit expressions of interest in being part of designing the memorial that will be visible from Division St.
Interim city manager Janette Loveys Smith said memorial ideas and features are not being dictated by the city.
“We left that pretty open because we wanted to hear from the artists,” she said Monday.
Artists who respond to the city’s search for talent will be reviewed as to best value including qualifications, capabilities and experience — and the availability of funds by the municipality to complete the work.
Bid documents are available at www.biddingo.com/ welland. They must be submitted to the city by May 6.
This year’s capital budget, which still requires fi nal approval, includes $ 95,000 to complete the market court and memorial.
A fundraising campaign has started also to cover costs of the project. Loveys Smith expects it to ramp up after a design has been selected.
“Once we have our concept, it will be easier for the community to rally around,” she said.
Hardscape court features such as uplighting and benches are expected to be installed prior to the Pan Am Games rolling into the city in mid- August, Loveys Smith said.
Th e memorial component will follow later.
Its fi rst honourees will include Kormos, Gib Parent and Ellis Morningstar.
It has also been suggested that the memorial pay tribute to to community boosters, including Rosie Smith, who was instrumental in the formation of Welland Recreation Projects Association and the city’s Santa Claus parade.
Supporters of the memorial have suggested leaders in the arts and culture, business and community sectors also be recognized. The previous city council approved the preliminary design for the market addition — developed by Barrie, Ont.- based urban design and landscape architecture firm MHBC — on the grounds of the former KFC restaurant property the municipality bought in December 2013 for $ 85,000.
Politicians last year agreed also to spending $ 40,000 to start working towards developing the market court that will also include shrubs, tables, shrubs, perennial gardens and ornamental grasses.