Anonymous donation makes cenotaph facelift a reality

KAMLOOPS – The clocks on the Battle Street cenotaph could soon be ticking once again, thanks to a $50,000 anonymous donation.

This week council approved to accept an anonymous donation meant specifically to repair cenotaph. The project originally sought funding in the fall of 2014. Repairing the cenotaph and completing landscape alterations was expected to cost $90,000. The city applied and received the maximum allowable Heritage Canada grant at $25,000. Even with that grant, a donation from the local legion and the personal donations, the project was still $63,000 short.

In April a donor, wishing to remain anonymous, pledged to give the city $50,000 specifically to repair the four clocks of the cenotaph. Nothing is known about the donor except that he or she feels the project is extremely important. This donation and the Heritage Canada grant will be used to repair the clock faces and general monument masonry. Repairs are expected to begin as soon as funds are collected.

The balance needed will come from an amendment made to the 2016 financial plan to make funds available for landscaping.

Mayor Peter Milobar notes that a private resident would step-up in this manner is phenomenal.

Coun. Pat Wallace adds it is important the city acknowledge its veterans. She adds, tongue-in-cheek, the city is always open to fundraising efforts and accepts personal cheques.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dana Reynolds at dreynolds@infonews.ca or call 250-819-6089. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.