A COVID-19 memorial is coming to Strathcona County.
At Tuesday's (June 20) council meeting it was decided that a memorial would be constructed to remember the people that lost their lives during the pandemic.
"We were just looking at a way to recognize some of the hardships, challenges, and people we lost in Strathcona County due to the pandemic," said Diane Yanch, the acting director of recreation, parks, and culture for the county. "This was one way we can do that."
The memorial will be located at Broadmoor Lake Park in Sherwood Park, a spot that was chosen due to what it represents in the community. The exact location of the plaque is not yet known, but the county has an idea.
"We are looking at the sound garden we have, which is a public art installation," said Yanch. "Why we like that is because it already has that feeling of mindfulness and connection."
"It's a place where you can sit and enjoy the artwork and listen to the sounds created by the artwork. So we thought it was a great connection."
A variety of ideas were presented to the council on what the memorial would look like, but the final decision was to design a plaque, which council thought was more fitting as a reflective piece.
"[The memorial will cost] around $5000," said Yanch. "We are doing it within the existing budget dollars."
The design process is underway, and the hope is that the memorial will be up in time for fall. If not, the county is aiming for next spring or summer.
"I think it just symbolizes the next step in our moving forward from COVID. We survived, we thrived, we created, we showcased community resiliency by making it through. This is a way to reflect on that and honour those we lost to the pandemic."