City Council will be asked Monday to approve a memorial wall beside the Civic Centre for those who've lost their lives from the opioid epidemic.
If approved, the $4,000 monument will be paid out of Mayor Christian Provenzano's office budget.
"In December of last year, the mayor’s office was approached by a group of community members requesting assistance to create a memorial site to recognize and remember family members, friends and loved ones who have tragically lost their lives to drug poisoning resulting from the opioid epidemic," says Malcolm White, the city's chief administrative officer.
"The group noted the field of crosses memorial in Sudbury as an example and noted that the memorial site would be of particular benefit for those victims and their loved ones who lack the means for more traditional forms of remembrance," White says in a report to council.
"Through discussions with the group, the mayor and city staff, the concept of a memorial wall was developed, which would be visible and accessible throughout the year and could be constructed and maintained by city staff to ensure its condition remains fitting for the purpose intended."
"The considerations for the location of the Memorial Wall were that it be close to downtown and the waterfront, close to the Hub Trail for ease of accessibility but also allow the opportunity for quiet reflection for those visiting the site. The preferred location is in the landscaped area immediately north of the Civic Centre."
"The group will continue to work with city staff to finalize the visual aspects of the wall and the process for those who wish their family members be remembered as part of the memorial," White says.
Monday's meeting of City Council will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 4:30 p.m.
