The McKibbon Family was the first local family to embrace the idea of building a Peace Park in Kenora. Last week, they presented a $3000.00 cheque to the Rotary Peace Park project, bringing the total donated by the McKibbon family to $20,000.00. This brings the total funds raised for the park to $335,000.00.
"It is a pleasure for our family to support this Rotary Club project. It is an important initiative for our community because the park will include a MMIWG Memorial to remind us all of the hard work still to be done to bring peace and reconciliation," said Jennifer McKibbon.
The McKibbon Family includes Gary & Jennifer McKibbon, Kenora, Graeme & Emily (nee McKibbon) Todd with Silas and Saige, Keewatin, Sam & Amy McKibbon with Hadley, Merritt BC. Also shown Rotary president Ron Malashewski (left) Debra LeMaistre (centre) and past president Sheelagh Reid (right)
The Peace Park Committee has hired HTFC Planning and Design used by the City of Kenora for some upcoming local projects. The Rotary Peace Park project will be included with those projects to save time and money.
The Park will include a Peace Pole and a Memorial Monument to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Transgender, and 2 Spirit, provided by the MMIWGT2S Memorial Committee.
The 11,000 square-foot park on First Avenue South will also include a walkway and benches with a view Lake of the Woods. It’s expected to open in October, 2022.