A massive multi-million dollar war memorial slated for Green Cove in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is generating some controversy.
Dennis Doyon lives in the area and says he has no objection to remembering our servicemen and women, but it’s the location of the proposed monument he disputes.
The Never Forgotten War Memorial, proposed to Parks Canada by an independent foundation is projected to open in 2017.
It would stand about six stories high, costing 25 million dollars, much of that fundraised by the foundation.
The site was chosen both for its rugged beauty, and its geographic orientation towards Europe.
The owner of a nearby inn says the tourism boost will make it worth the price tag.
Parks Canada says the concept for the statue has yet to be finalized, and they’re planning to have public consultation.
“The public consultation is really about design rather than location,” says Doyon. “I really think it is a done deal.”
Parks Canada spokesperson Maria O’Hearn says the consultation will be about any concerns people have, and that while Ottawa has already approved the use of Green Cove, other sites like nearby Black Brook, remain remote possibilities.
“Green Cove was chosen for a few reasons, one, there is infrastructure there already, and because there’s no known environmentally sensitive areas,” explains O’Hearn. “Unlike Black Brook, which has a brook running through it.”
Public consultation on the proposed monument is expected to begin sometime over the next few months.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ryan MacDonald
