Council committee discusses permanent memorial for victims of mass casualty
TRURO — It has been three years since 22 lives and an unborn baby were claimed in the senseless violence perpetrated on April 18 and 19, 2020.
With the anniversary of the catastrophic event in mind, Colchester County Mayor Christine Blair added one topic to the agenda for council committee's April 13 meeting: to discuss a permanent memorial in remembrance of those lost in the mass casualty event.
"There have been discussions over the years about a permanent memorial," said Blair during the meeting. "What I'm looking for from council tonight is to start discussions. No decisions, just to have some discussions on whether or not this is something that families want, something that residents want, but we need to talk before we take any action.
"This is a discussion we need to have. It can't just be left up there in the air."
Blair, who is hoping to meet with affected families within the coming days, put a motion on the floor for council to support discussions on the possibility of a memorial.
COUNCIL'S THOUGHTS
"I agree with Mayor Blair, we need to get on this," said Coun. Lisa Patton, who seconded the motion.
Patton mentioned speaking with one affected family in her district who voiced that while they would rather not take part in the memorial, they're not opposed to its construction.
"I know some councillors definitely don't agree with it, but I want to throw it out there again. Possibly, a small site at the (Fundy) discovery site would be appropriate for a neutral location for people to go visit, similar to Swiss Air."
"I agree as well with Mayor Blair," said Coun. Marie Benoit. "It's time that we did something with this. It has been too long."
Benoit spoke with five affected people in her district. and while one was unsure, they said if it did happen, they'd support it.
"The only thing I've heard a few times is that it shouldn't be in Portapique, and I kind of feel like it should be centralized."
Benoit said the Cobequid Trail, overlooking the water, would be a good spot for a memorial.
Coun. Mike Cooper voiced his support for a memorial at the Fundy Discovery Site. He made the case for a centralized location, stating they do not want to make Portapique about the tragedy.
"I think we have a place to pay tribute to those who have gone; a tribute to the communities for how they have risen from what's going on. I think that's what the communities want ... they want a positive thing, not a sad thing."
FUNDING
Responding to a question from Coun. Eric Boutilier, Blair said she has been in contact with mayors and wardens in other affected municipalities. She also mentioned that to make this memorial a reality, they will have to be granted funding, provincially and federally.
The Municipality of Colchester has $90,000 held in trust from fundraising done by the Nova Scotia Remembers Legacy Society; $50,000 has been slated for use towards a permanent memorial.
"The cost associated in establishing a memorial is going to be quite significant," said CAO Rob Simmonds. "In order to have this exploratory conversation, I think that if there's a discussion amongst the four municipal units, and there is a degree of unanimity, it certainly helps facilitate discussions with our senior levels of government, as well as with our broader community; in particular, those who have been impacted most by the tragic events of three years ago."
All approved the motion for conversations regarding a permanent memorial to continue into future meetings.