The City of Airdrie is moving ahead with previously proposed plans for a permanent memorial to honour veterans alongside Veteran’s Boulevard.
At the City council meeting on July 4, team leader of community development Jennifer Lutz presented an update on the proposed approach of memorializing Veterans Boulevard. City council voted unanimously in favour of the proposed plan, which is now going to be considered as part of the City's 2024 budget.
Mayor Peter Brown said the proposed plan resonates deeply with him. He added he was happy to see local veterans and veteran groups be a part of the efforts toward bringing the project to fruition.
“It hits home,” Brown said. “What I like most is your collaboration with the people that we’re respecting.”
The proposed plan has been in the works since October 2022. Back then, council directed administration to collaborate with local veterans and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 288 to come up with a plan for a permanent memorial along Veteran’s Boulevard.
In March of this year, council asked administration to form a planning committee that consisted of representatives from the legion and other veterans’ groups. The committee would provide details of the progress of the proposed plan, while keeping the location the same and have a targeted timeline of 2024.
Lutz said they created a budget that would see costs of the proposed plan reach $135,000. She added the City is hoping to receive federal grants to support the project.
“We had mentioned about applying for grants which are due in November,” she said. “Once we get this concept approved by council, then we start applying for grants and try and spread the money around, getting some more federal money to support this project.”
Community development proposed the use of metal as the primary resource for the project due to its low maintenance and durability. Lutz said an additional advantage is that metal is more portable, citing elements of the project could be moved if work is needed to be done on the road.
The first portion of the project would see 11 metal banners hung on streetlights. Lutz said the banners are easy to install and withstand the passage of time.
Moving forward, the veteran’s boulevard crossing at Nose Creek Park would add similar panels to the already existing ones. Lutz said this would provide community members the opportunity to reflect while out on walks.
“When people are walking by, they will have an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of veterans,” Lutz said.
In addition, the proposed plan would see a metal silhouette of a soldier, engineered to be self-standing. The statue will be alongside memorial benches that would have the same design as the Olds Royal Canadian Legion bench.
The final element of the project would see a three-flag mass located on the meridian that separates Veteran’s Boulevard. Lutz added this addition would be used during ceremonies.
During the discussion, Coun. Tina Petrow raised a few concerns about vandalism, noting the City has seen some instances of vandalism on the pathways along Veteran’s Boulevard.
“We’ve heard of vandalism happening a little bit more in that area,” Petrow said. “I hate it when we see spray paint on things or anything like that it’s just not great to see.”
Lutz said they are hoping to have the project completed and unveiled by June of next year, in conjunction with the 80-year anniversary of D-day.
