City Council is set to celebrate Remembrance Day two days early this year, with the approval of Barrie's Military Heritage Park, located on the lakeshore, east of Southshore Centre.
"We have received federal funding that will pay roughly half the cost," said Mayor Jeff Lehman. "That's great news."
The project's design costs are estimated at $115,000, and construction will top $1.1 million in 2016 and 2017.
When completed, the park will commemorate military history and Canadian Forces Base Borden with a self-guided tour of a ceremonial square for events, a central roundhouse plateau, a woodlot and beach shoreline, earth berms and small mounds with trenches and retaining walls, a tulip meadow, a memorial forest, a poppy and wildflower meadow, and educational displays.
Princess Anne took part in a dedication ceremony at the site two years ago. in October, 2013.
Through the Economic Action Plan 2015, and as part of a federal approach to celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary in 2017, the federal government is providing $150 million over two years to support rehabiliation, renovation and expansion of existing community infrastructure.
The Rotary Club of Barrie has been a strong advocate of the Military Heritage Park since 2006 and it is expected that members will fundraise for components such as:
- interpretive and educational signage
- commemmorative benches on the site
- landscaping
- an art competition to illustrate major military campaigns during World War II
Council will vote on the project on Monday, Nov. 9.
