By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle

The Oliver Legion is working with the Town to find a new location for the community cenotaph.

The idea was pitched to council on August 22 by Legion representatives Pat Hampson and Estelle Pavan.

Hampson said the Legion wants to erect a new cenotaph on Station Street instead of moving the existing monument for fear of damaging it.

He noted that Remembrance Day ceremonies cause diversion and significant traffic disruption on Main Street, adding this gives drivers a reason to get frustrated and angry.

“It’s a real problem as far as commercial traffic is concerned,” he said, noting it’s difficult to divert heavy trucks on side streets.

In response to that, Mayor Martin Johansen said he can’t think of a better reason to shut down Main Street than Remembrance Day. Councillor Petra Veintimilla agreed.

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Hampson said rebuilding on Station Street offers a centralized location for ceremonies and is closer to the Legion Hall for activities. He also noted that changing the location will reduce the physical exertion for aging veterans who can no longer march up the hill on Fairview Road.

Hampson said the primary goal is to identify past and future conflicts in which veterans have been killed fighting for freedom and democracy.

Johansen said he sees the Legion as the guardians of the cenotaph and supported their idea.

Councillor Dave Mattes suggested to the Legion that the cenotaph could be constructed at the south end of Lion’s Park near the tourism centre. He also suggested Community Park as another location.

Councillors Aimee Grice and Larry Schwartzenberger agreed that incorporating the new cenotaph with the new plaza on Station Street would be ideal.

Pavan said the Legion is prepared to do whatever it takes to support this relocation project.

Hampson said the only issue he sees with having it at the entrance to Lion’s Park is the parking lot, noting that marching through a parking lot “doesn’t gel” with the cenotaph idea. 

Veintimilla said she initially didn’t like the idea of relocating the cenotaph, but she supports the idea now.

Johansen said the community will likely utilize the existing cenotaph for Remembrance Day ceremonies this year, and target 2023 for the new location.

Council directed staff to work with the Legion to determine a potential location and bring back options for consideration.