A project that began back in 2015 culminated with the installation of historical banners on June 15. Installed along Second Avenue (Coniston's main street), the colourful additions atop a number of poles feature historical photographs from Coniston’s past.
Jason Marcon said he pitched the idea to the Coniston Community Action Network (CCAN) three years ago while holding the position of CCAN's Chair. Marcon is a man who both knows and loves his roots: tracing his family to the area for over 100 years and having lived in Coniston all his life, he says he became obsessed with Coniston's history as a small child.
"I think that it’s the greatest community to live in and I’m glad to be raising my family here as well," Marcon said.
As a youth Marcon would read and collect every item he could get his hands on that referenced the community. As an adult, this pasttime would ultimately become useful by way of sharing some of the many historical photos he has amassed for use with the banner installation project.
In addition to having each banner generously sponsored by local businesses and community groups, the Hockey Hall of Fame provided the Coniston Historical Society with photos of four NHL players that were raised in Coniston: Randy Boyd, Jim Fox, Toe Blake and Noel Price. The hockey banners line the road that leads to the Toe Blake Memorial Arena.
Other banners feature the Coniston Bakery, the outdoor skating rink, the Coniston train station, Jack Wolfe and Tom Kirwan who are two of the community's World War One veterans, slag cars, and of course, the smelter.
Greater Sudbury Hydro installed the banners quickly, an effort those who were involved with the project are deeply grateful for. Community members would also like to thank Charette Design Studio, Shannon Marcon Slater, Northern Credit Union, Coniston valu-mart, Desjardins Bank, Seamless Eavestrough Inc., Bob's Service Centre, La Ruche du Coniston, Coniston Industrial Park Limited, Twin Stacks Golf Club, Le Pavillon, Lopes, Coniston Playground Association, Coniston Seniors Golden Age Club, St. Pauls Catholic Women's League, the Colonial Inn, the Lion's Club of Coniston and Falconbridge Garson Legion Branch #336 for helping to bring the banner installation project to completion.
