Community feedback is in support for the memorial cenotaph in Brentwood’s Pioneer Park. Central Saanich asked the community for feedback in March, and displayed renderings at Municipal Hall, the Central Saanich Library branch and online.
The input and comments from residents and stakeholders was mostly in favour of the draft plan with a slight modification to the cenotaph’s design and the landscaping upgrades at Pioneer Park. The final concept design is available at csaanich.ca/currentinitiatives.
“I thank the Cenotaph Committee members and the public for their involvement,” said Central Saanich Councillor Carl Jensen, Chair of the Cenotaph Committee. “There are many ideas about what a cenotaph should be, and we’ve come to a design and location most people are supportive of, and I think it will be a great addition to Central Saanich.”
Jensen noted Pioneer Park is central to the village core and frequently used, can accommodate large ceremonial public gatherings and the cenotaph’s location in the park will also suitable for quiet contemplation.
Construction will begin after Labour Day to minimize conflicts with the Music in the Park events held throughout the summer. The cenotaph will be completed in time for Central Saanich’s 2018 Remembrance Day ceremony.
The cenotaph will be a trapezoid made from polished granite or concrete. The four faces of the cenotaph will display motifs acknowledging First Nations, the Canadian maple leave, and an epitaph, Be at Peace in both official languages.