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Cenotaph change-up on the cards

Jasper’s cenotaph is non-compliant to National War Memorial standards and in need of repair. The Legion presented a $125,000 project to council this week to update and expand the memorial park | File photo Fuchsia Dragon | publisher@fitzhugh.
Jasper’s cenotaph is non-compliant to National War Memorial standards and in need of repair. The Legion presented a $125,000 project to council this week to update and expand the memorial park | File photo

Fuchsia Dragon | [email protected]

Jasper’s cenotaph is a centrepiece of the town.

But cracks are appearing between the stones and the memorial does not comply with national standards.

Jasper Legion presented a proposal to the municipal council this week for a $125,000 project which would see the memorial park fixed up, updated and expanded.

“The cenotaph is the centrepiece of the Millenium Memorial Park and is an important and highly visible municipal asset but requires updating to represent the past and present wars and conflicts,” said Greg Key in his presentation.

Millenium Memorial Park was built in 2000, supported by Jasper Legion and the municipality.

“We have seen many changes in the world since then,” said Key.

“Canada has been part of many UN mandated peacekeeping missions.”

According to Key, the national standard is to not include individual names of people on our memorials or cenotaphs but highlight the actions and conflicts to which Canadians participated.

Key said the cenotaph sizing, design and placement identifies it as a war memorial but by adding and properly locating more plaques, conformity can be achieved. 

He said the cenotaph should include: the South African War (1899 to 1902), First World War (1914 to 1918), Second World War (1939 to 1944), Korean War (1950 to 1953), Peacekeeping, Afghanistan (2001 to 2014).

This portion of the project would have a price tag, including installation, of $18,500.

Additional memoriam to honour Indigineous War Veterans, Wardens Service and Parks Canada, United Nations Missions, Jasper Emergency Services and the RCMP was also proposed by Key.

He said the cenotaph should also have a topper, in a military style or of an animal that represents the area and indigenous cultures.

“We have the idea of a bear which represents the park area and is a symbol of strength, courage, leadership and family,” he said.

And memory bricks could be added to the park for dedication to lost loved ones.

These additions, including installation, would cost $81,500 - $50,000 of which would be for the topper.

In the presented budget, the total cost of the project would be $125,000, with the rest of the costs coming from the $15,000 repair on the stones and $9,600 contingency.

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