Hanna town council approved a request from Cheryl Stevenson representing the Community Poppy Project to install a 20’ x 2’ x 10’ metal sculpture to honour war veterans in Legion Park.
At the regular meeting on Tues. June 13, the structure will be made at a cost of $14,200 through donations and $4,500 provided by the town.
With positive comments made online, Stevenson took the initiative to proceed with the project, including contacting Sean Olmstead of Metal Workz to see if he would be interested in designing and constructing a similar type of sculpture, to which he agreed.
“I started this because of Charlie [Fielding] and what he did for our school and community,” said Stevenson.
In the meantime, there was some formal and informal fundraising happening for this project, with COVID-19 delaying the progress of this initiative.
The Legion originally agreed to receive and manage the funds for this project but then chose to have the town office facilitate as to not confuse where donations were going.
This group indicated their approval of the design which had changed significantly from the beginning, primarily as a result of more funding being available than originally anticipated.
As the project increased in size the group approached the Special Areas regarding placement of the sculpture on their green space adjacent to Legion Park and west of their administration building.
Special Areas, although supportive of the project, did not want the sculpture located on their property and indicated that they would provide in-kind support for building it.
The sculpture is a metal cross approximately 9.75’ high and 5’ 7’ wide with one large poppy at the apex of the cross and smaller poppies decorating the remainder of the cross.
There are two panels on each side of the cross that will have pre-drilled holes to accommodate plaques which will display and recognize the names of veterans.
The placing of names on the panels in terms of who manages this and sets the policies will be determined soon.
Columbarium purchase
Two quotes were obtained to address a request to put in a third columbarium within the Hanna Municipal Cemetery.
Council was tasked with deciding between Sunset Memorial & Stone Ltd. for the purchase of a 30 Niche Canadian Mahogany Legacy Columbarium in the amount of $20,955 or local business Dawn Memorials for $23,173 offering a slightly smaller size.
Approved in this year’s capital budget was $17,000 for this purchase.
Council ultimately agreed to go with Sunset Memorial.
“I know we want to support local but when it’s $2,200, it’s taxpayers money at the end of the day,” said Mayor Chris Warwick.
Doug Todd Memorial Park
Gayle Smigg approached the town with an idea to recognize and honour Doug Todd for his volunteer commitments and service to the Town of Hanna and its residents.
Smigg suggested that Hanna Crescent be renamed as Todd Crescent as it is the street where Doug and Marilyn Todd lived for several years, and Mrs. Todd still resides in the crescent.
Administration then suggested that the green space in the center of the crescent may be more suitable with something to dedicate to the park like signage, a memorial tree or bench which she agreed with as changing the legal name of an existing street can be time consuming.
Administration received all being positive comments from neighbours towards the situation.
Administration has also been in discussion with Mrs. Todd who indicated she and her family were honoured that this was under consideration and indicated strongly that if there were any concerns expressed that she would not want it to proceed.
Council approved a green space located in Hanna Crescent be designated as the Doug Todd Memorial Park in recognition of the contributions he has made during lifetime as a lawyer and advocate for the Town of Hanna.
Design options and cost estimates for a sign will be presented next meeting.
Terri Huxley
ECA Review
