By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
Several people, including war veterans, have expressed their dismay at the Oliver Legion’s proposal to relocate the town cenotaph to Station Street.
But in a hastily written response, the Legion now says it has “absolutely no intention of moving or replacing the cenotaph.”
Last week’s story in the Times Chronicle generated immediate feedback from a number of residents who oppose any such plan.
Past president and former mayor Ron Hovanes said it would be an “absolute dishonour” to the fallen if the cenotaph was relocated.
Hovanes said Oliver already accommodates cycling/running events and parades that disrupt traffic. So why all the fuss about Remembrance Day?
In a post on the Times Chronicle Facebook page, Jim Stewart said if shutting down Main Street is too much to ask on Remembrance Day, then we shouldn’t see another Granfondo, Ironman or town parade causing traffic issues in town. Stewart said the cenotaph is hallowed ground.
“The Oliver Legion does not represent veterans, and this (proposal) will be fought vigorously by those who actually served.”
Mallory Brown said the proposal is “ridiculous,” adding that closing down Main Street for one hour on Nov. 11 to remember war heroes is not too much to ask.
Veteran Wayne Williams commented that the Legion is out of touch with veterans.
“They’d better be prepared to move me and my fellow veterans out of the way first before they touch that ground. I will burn my legion card on live TV and turn my back on that place.”
Former town councillor Maureen Doerr said the proposal is foolish and disrespectful to veterans.
Small business owner Monica Nemes said she has observed a shift in Oliver to move “everything” to Station Street, which she is not happy about.
Trish Van Vianen said she can’t believe this is a Legion initiative.
“Traffic has and will always do what is necessary for towns to pay respect on Nov. 11. The highway is closed for events all the time and none are as important as this.”
The Times Chronicle asked Legion 2nd vice-president Pat Hampson what his reaction was to the critical feedback and if this will change the Legion’s plan. Hampson said he spoke to president Estelle Pavan and the decision was made to comment after the Legion’s general meeting on Sept. 20. But when pressed by the Times Chronicle, Hampson said the Legion would soon release a statement, which came by email on Sept. 4. This statement was also sent to Legion members.
In a recent presentation to Town council, Hampson and Pavan outlined the proposal to establish a new location for the cenotaph, which currently sits in front of Town Hall on Main Street.
Hampson said the current location causes significant traffic diversion and disruption on Remembrance Day, resulting in safety hazards. He also said changing the location to Station Street will reduce the physical exertion for aging veterans who can no longer march up Fairview Road to the cenotaph.
In the end, council directed staff to work with the Legion to determine a potential relocation plan.
But Mayor Martin Johansen reiterated that he can’t think of a better reason to shut down Main Street than Remembrance Day.
“I think the current location works well, draws great attention to the ceremony and provides ample room for all to attend.”
The mayor said there is always the option to provide transportation from the Community Hall to the cenotaph for aging veterans.
“Moving forward, I think the Legion needs to re-think their proposal which should start with a conversation that includes all local veterans and their family members.”
In a follow-up letter to the Times Chronicle, the Oliver Legion stated under “unfinished business” at its March 7, 2021 executive meeting: Pat Hampson to discuss with the executive relocation of the cenotaph.
But the executive “decided to leave the cenotaph where it is unless something is pushed from the province or the Town of Oliver.”
The Legion stated it wanted to talk to the Town in the event the cenotaph was in an “untenable location due to growth of the town or traffic pattern changes.” If that was the case, the Legion wanted to have a say in where the new cenotaph would be located.
Donna Brooks, Legion secretary and public relations officer, told the Times Chronicle that the March 7, 2021 Legion minutes are clear – there is no intention to move or relocate the existing cenotaph.
When asked about the recent council presentation, Brooks said sometimes what the presenters want is not what the Legion wants.
“I was quite surprised by it (the presentation),” she said, surmising that Pavan may have got “wrapped up” in Hampson’s “mission.”
The Legion executive says there is no intention to move or relocate the cenotaph to Station Street.
File photo
