Tribute to veterans in the works
The regional district is looking for public input on a tribute to veterans planned for the West Bench.
In November, the federal Department of Veterans’ Affairs announced a grant of $25,000 to the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen to fund the construction of a tribute in Selby Park. The grant is to commemorate the development of the West Bench neighbourhood under the Veterans’ Land Act.
“There are many stories that could be told about the building of the West Bench,” said architect Chris Allen. “Our task will be to bring the community together, discuss ways to honour the veterans and speak to the future generations who will use this park.”
The park itself is named after Eric Selby, a veteran and driving force in the establishment of the West Bench Veterans’ Land Act project. One vision was to have all the names of the approximately 180 Second World War veterans who settled in the West Bench community.
“I look forward to hearing the stories of the West Bench from my neighbours and working with them to give history a physical legacy that makes a lasting and meaningful impression,” said architect Cal Meiklejohn.
A public meeting to discuss the project will be held on Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. in the West Bench Elementary School gymnasium. Anyone with ties, past or present, to the West Bench is encouraged to attend and share their ideas for the tribute. The RDOS is asking residents to complete a public consultation survey before the meeting on Feb. 16. Visit http://areaf.rdos.bc.ca/cms/wbvets for the survey.
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