Six remembered names will be added to the Victoria Harbour cenotaph once a proper upgrade is approved.
During a recent regular meeting of council, a verbal report from Tay Mayor Ted Walker relayed a correspondence by Victoria Harbour Lions Club president Dennis Esterbrooks in regards to the cenotaph parkette, located at 143 Richard Street.
“It is the Lions Club and also the (Royal Canadian Legion Victoria Harbour Branch 523), that would like to either update or replace the plaques in the Victoria Harbour cenotaph,” explained Walker, “because there were some members of the village whose names were not included and who had given their lives in the war.”
The six names are as follows:
* John W. Smith
* Ross Bernard Bressette
* Ivan Hugh Evans
* Robert James Crooke
* Clifford Frederick Mount
* John Andrew McLean
A request was made to council for the municipality to cover the cost of upgrade or replacement, as the current bronze plaques have suffered deterioration. Council unanimously supported the request, while also exploring options for improvement and longevity.
“The current plaques that are up there are bronze,” noted Coun. Barry Norris. “They are deteriorating quite bad; that’s one of the drawbacks with bronze. I’m wondering if we could also reach out to maybe have a granite marker instead of the bronze.”
Deputy Mayor Gerard LaChapelle stated that it would be a great opportunity to honour those who fought for their nation, a sentiment echoed by Coun. Paul Raymond.
“Given the certain circumstances of what’s going on in the world today, I would support it,” stated LaChapelle. “I don’t think the cost would be too expensive. I think it’s a good gesture on this municipality and this council to recognize those individuals.”
Upon a unanimous show of hands in support, council asked staff to contact Royal Canadian Branch 523, as well as Port McNicoll Branch 545 and Waubaushene Branch 316, to explore the conditions and status of those memorials.
Esterbrooks spoke to MidlandToday and praised the quickness of council in response to the request, and their respect to the veterans of the community. He had explored copper and bronze for costs, but added that granite would be a good option for its ability to withstand inclement weather.
“If somebody came forward later down the road and said: ‘My great-grandfather or my great-uncle was one of those that had given the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War, his name’s not on there’, we would have no problem at all to get a mason in to add the name,” Esterbrooks said in regards to the granite option.
Tay council meets for regular council meetings every fourth Wednesday of the month. Further information including council’s agenda can be found on the Tay township website.