A new community healing garden could be coming to Bonnyville.
A presentation was made to council by Corita Vachon, president of the Lakeland Society for Truth and Reconciliation.
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The society requested to be added as a delegation to inform council of their hope to put a community healing garden in the town.
“Our proposed plan includes culturally significant plants that are native to our area and are considered to be of healing value,” said Vachon.
The plan includes an underground irrigation system, a concrete paved circular area with a medicine wheel, and a turtle painted in the centre.
There will also be a walkway around the centre with access to plants, a pergola with benches for seating, display boards and plaques with information containing the plants and how they’re used amongst various other amenities.
The location would have one main entrance and exit with a fence around the perimeter.
Costs for the project are currently unknown.
“I imagine the ground would also have to be worked up and black soil brought in, too,” said Vachon. “We’re still looking at the costs for this project, once we have a better idea, we’ll bring that to you.”
While the cost of the project is unknown, they are looking into funding options for the garden.
“Fundraising would be an important consideration, we’re currently looking into grants and corporate sponsorship options we might be eligible for,” said Vachon.
“With that, we propose to lead the way to obtaining funding, but of course, we respectfully welcome your partnership in assistance and collaborations.”
Vachon’s hope is to have the location open to the public all year giving people a chance to visit the area.
She says the garden could also be used to acknowledge the significant Indigenous dates throughout the year.
The location, along Lakeshore Drive in the area of 49 Ave. and 51 St., was not the first area they considered.
“Our first choice was the museum grounds to blend in with the historical factor and the Indigenous history in Canada,” said Vachon. “They had other plans for the land, so they declined our proposal.”
The location gives schools a good opportunity to learn when they are studying Indigenous history, plants, and culture.
“We wanted it ideally in a well-trafficked area, where it’s seen and not hidden,” said Vachon.
Unfortunately, the proposed location is currently being studied by the town.
“We have something that is already earmarked for that area,” Coun. Phil Kushnir
A Community Recreation Plan is already underway for the Lakeshore Drive Park area that would explore possible recreational or cultural upgrades to the area.
Kushnir asked if Vachon was willing to work with administration to find another location around the city to put the garden.
She says she’s willing to work with the town as she wants to keep it as accessible as possible.
“Our big thing is, we want it open and accessible, we don’t want it hidden away because historically, that’s been our culture, was being put in the back, hidden,” said Vachon.
Mayor Elisa Brosseau says this is a great opportunity for the town.
“I think the town as a whole would benefit greatly to have something like this that’s visible and accessible,” she said.
Brosseau said the town is working out their vision of what they want around Jessie Lake.
“I think it’s a really good time for you to work with our administration to find that spot,” she said.
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